How to Purchase:
Only 16 mugs were made, and each one is unique. To guarantee availability, now is the time to purchase.
In-person selection is recommended for the best fit—each mug varies in feel, form, and glaze outcome.
You can pay now online or choose the cash/pick-up option to complete your purchase during selection.
If you'd like a mug shipped, our staff will hand-select one for you.
 
Thank you for supporting Ryan's work.
 
"My favorite was the green glaze paired with the lichen layer—it created some of the most intriguing surface effects and also evoked a strong visual metaphor. The result reminded me of a tree snag—those dead or decaying trees in forests that, despite their appearance, serve as critical components of their ecosystems by offering shelter, food, and protection. Many people have commented that the texture of my mugs resembles bark, and the carved details reinforce that natural, weathered look.
 
This comparison deeply inspired how I approached glazing the final pieces. I chose to spray the green glaze—as if it were moss—on the “north” side of the mug, using the handle as a marker pointing south. This directional approach helped me lean into the tree snag metaphor and gave my glazing process a sense of intentionality and narrative, rather than simply coating the mug evenly.
 
In the end, I was really pleased with how the mugs turned out—and with everything I learned along the way. I figured out how to throw a double-walled mug in my style, designed a handle that isn’t the primary point of contact, and explored the concept of tree snags in a way that deeply influenced my glazing decisions.
 
Most importantly, this felt like my first major project in a few years, and it was incredibly rewarding to return to making something with real personal meaning. This experience also helped me clarify what I want to create going forward. I fell in love with clay because of its natural feel—how something so simple and raw can be transformed into functional, beautiful objects we interact with daily. That connection is powerful, and I want my future work to embody and honor the natural qualities of clay."
 
~ Ryan