Curious Clay

Meet The Maker, Jannalyn Bailey, the artist and owner of Curious Clay based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jannalyn uses the slab-building technique for her one-of-a-kind ceramic kitchenware and drinkware pieces. Her ceramic snack trays, plates, bowls, mugs, and liquor sippers (shot glasses) are playful, conceptual pieces that are equal parts artistic expression and functional items for the home. 

Jannalyn, a former painter, is primarily a self-taught potter. She didn't obtain any formal training in ceramics, but she does have a very important clay mentor. She was born with a fiery passion for art and design; ranging from "art lessons" with her grandmother, to mural-painting her bedroom as a teenager.

She eventually went on to art school. She received a Bachelor's and Master's in Fine Art from two Philadelphia art schools, Arcadia University and PAFA, concentrating in painting and drawing. She didn't truly feel at home with a medium until she found clay.

Clay has taught Jannalyn the importance of process and patience. You must work within the limitations of what the clay needs in that moment. She now sees, it's similar to parenting.

She builds everything she makes by hand - either by rolling slabs (sheets), or forming/sculpting by hand. Once a piece is done, it is allowed to slowly air dry. Once all the moisture is complete gone from the clay, it is bisqued (cooked in a kiln) at 1945 degrees Fahrenheit. Once glazing is done, the work is fired again at 2232 degrees Fahrenheit. The whole process (for the size kiln I have) takes about a week.

Curious Clay is the culmination of her passions for the beauty in unexpected form, color theory, and eye-catching patterns. Jannalyn deeply values the hands-on process of working with a slab of clay. She enjoys the process of creating one-of-a-kind pottery and her hope is that when you interact with her work it will add beauty to your everyday rituals, allowing for quiet, present moments with an object of art {Objet d'art}.

Welcome to Curious Clay.

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” - Ella Fitzgerald

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