Mikalah, the artist behind PDX Pots and Crafts, is a lifelong Oregonian and adoptee who draws creative inspiration from her connection to nature and the environment of her coastal upbringing. Having nurtured a passion for the arts since childhood, she followed her curiosity and began ceramics courses in 2016 while attending Portland Community College at the Cascade Campus. Mikalah’s commitment to the craft deepened over time, evolving from a hobby into a professional pursuit by 2021.
Motivated by a desire to infuse her process with mindfulness and her ceramic wares with organic vibrancy, Mikalah found herself immersed in the multi-clay marbling technique. By throwing various colors of clay bodies simultaneously on the potter’s wheel, she orchestrates mesmerizing patterns that continuously evolve throughout the throwing and trimming stages. Captivated by this fluid and dynamic process, Mikalah finds continuous enrichment and stimulation in the challenging technique and organic patterns that emerge. The marbling process has become a meditative artistic practice for Mikalah and has inspired the last few years of expansion and exploration in her craft. Recently, her marbled work has been admired for its resonance with the renowned Japanese ceramics technique ‘neriage’ (nair-ee-ah-gee), further inspiring her efforts to blend ceramic tradition with her artistic vision.
Each of Mikalah’s unique pieces is handcrafted mindfully with sustainable practices. Certified non-toxic materials are sourced to ensure the safety of her work for the maker, the user, and the environment. Mikalah reduces waste by conserving water through the reuse of throwing slip, separating the slip into clay sediment and water for individual repurposing, and reclaiming clay scraps into workable clay. Firing her ceramics to Cone 6 in an electric kiln allows her to maximize energy efficiency while reducing emissions. Additionally, she uses eco-friendly packaging, opting for exclusively repurposed materials and using biodegradable options whenever possible. Working in small batches allows her to maintain a lower carbon footprint while ensuring high-quality craftsmanship. Through these practices, Mikalah demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability in every aspect of her creative processes.
In addition to offering her ceramics year-round on her website, various work is available at Grey Raven Gallery in Beaverton, and her work can be found at select Oregon Potters Association events, and occasionally at local markets.