Little floral ring dish by Walton Clay Studio in Star, NC

Walton Clay Studio

Donny Walton is a ceramic artist based in Star, North Carolina, where he creates a whimsical and nature-inspired line of slab-built pottery. Raised in the heart of North Carolina’s pottery tradition, Donny grew up in Seagrove in his parents’ pottery studio, surrounded by clay, kilns, and creativity from an early age.

As a teenager, Donny gained recognition for his imaginative clay sculptures, particularly his mythical figures and intricately crafted slab-built luminaries. These early works set the stage for a lifelong connection to clay and storytelling through form and surface.

Today, Donny focuses on making slab-built ornaments and trinket dishes that reflect his love of nature, texture, and personal expression. Each piece is hand-formed and features delicate impressions of leaves, flowers, and hand-drawn imagery, bringing a sense of playfulness and warmth to everyday objects.

Blending traditional techniques with a contemporary folk aesthetic, Donny’s work continues to evolve—rooted in family, place, and a deep appreciation for the handmade.