Joy Gauss

Story Pottery

My life as a full time “Story Pottery” artist gives me license to really see the picturesque life around me then  play with clay in the studio!  I thank my Muse- New Orleans and Louisiana for so much inspiration.

Technique: Signature clay shapes are hand formed by me with my favorite tools - my hands, imagination, a kick wheel, extruder orrollers. My “alphabet” of drawings, text and textures are impressed and sculpted in layers onto the surface of each clay piece .

After a bisque firing, I hand paint with glaze. A very hands on, ancient, Japanese, firing process called Raku turns the glaze to glass, creates a unique aged look and leaves the kiss of the kiln on each original, hand made piece of my Story Pottery.

Joy’s story - I am a full time clay artist experiencing life and playing with clay in my turquoise studio/house in New Orleans. Blessed with active grandchildren, pets and family there is always inspiration.  I was introduced to ceramics at Missouri University but am mainly life taught. Creativity in many forms has always been an important part of my life but ceramics is my favorite!