CREATING A CONNECTION

I carved this at the request of a friend who wanted a watering bell with a moth on it. I decided on a Luna moth because they’re really whimsical and pretty. However now that it’s done I worry it looks more like a bat… or it could be just because I’m listening to a book on the history of rabies. What do you think? Moth or bat? 😅😂 #carvedporcelain #carvingpottery #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

How do you spend your late nights after the day is done? Reading, watching tv, maybe a board game? For me my days are often backwards. Taking care of the kids in the day. And working at night. Even though that means I’m up late, I enjoy carving at night. #potterylife #artistlife #latenights #carvingpottery #carvingart #utahartist #utahart #thorpeceramics

Throw back to my very first time carving hydrangeas. I’m still pretty happy with how this one turned out. What do you think? #throwbackthursday #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedpotteryvase #ceramicvase #potteryvase #ceramicartist #thorpeceramics

Children are creative by nature. Their imaginations continually churning out new ideas. I love seeing that in action. Today I got to help a classroom of elementary students make pinch pots. For many it was their first time touching clay. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did. I’d love to hear your first memory of making art if you want to share in the comments ☺️ #pinchpots #creativekids #elementaryart #clayart #thorpeceramics

While I’m passionate about my art, my family is the most important part of my life. This last weekend I got to spend time in Arches National Park with my dad and my kids. This is a trip I’ve been doing with my dad since I was pretty young. The memories I have hiking with him are some of my most cherished. I want to share that experience with my sweet boys. My dad is very much an academic and I love seeing the goofy side of him with my kids. #familytime #archesnationalpark #thorpeceramics

We have a winner 🥇 Congratulations @cinderellaschair you won the tumbler!! Thank you to everyone who participated!! I had a lot of fun and really appreciated the support from everyone 😊 #thorpeceramics

Just a reminder today is the last day to enter the giveaway for this tumbler! To enter you need to like, comment on the original post and follow me. Additional entries can be made by tagging a friend or sharing the giveaway post. A winner will be announced tomorrow and will have 48 hours to claim the tumbler. #instagramgiveaway #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedtumbler #thorpeceramics

I realized today I only shared the final results of one of the two platters I made. Here is the second one. I’m so grateful this one did not crack as well. I envision it one day sitting on a coffee table as a decorative piece or perhaps used to serve appetizers for a get together. What would you put on a platter like this? #glazeresults #potteryplatter #ceramicplatter #servingtray #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #utahartist #utahpotter #thorpeceramics #ceramicartwork #ceramics

Here’s a throwback to when I was first learning to carve. I was doing my Bachelors of Fine Art and was spending hours upon hours carving in basically a supply room in the ceramics department. I had gotten special permission to be there because I was working on my gallery show and wasn’t in the way of other classes. It was really hard to figure out how to carve and when to do it. I often went home dejected having broken yet another piece. I’m still no master carver, but that’s ok. This is a journey, and has been worth it. I hope to look back years from now and see the same progression that I do today. #lovethejourney #learningpottery #ceramicart #ceramicartist #pottery #bfa #utahartist #thorpeceramics #thrownclay #throwbackthursday #tbt

I find myself contemplating functionality today. I’ve always strived to make my work easily usable. But as I’m pushing myself more and more I’m finding the desire to sometimes go beyond what makes a functional item. I feel like this mug teeters on the edge of that line. What do you think? #formandfunction #potterymug #decorativepottery #decorativemug #ceramicart #ceramics #pottery #pottersofinstagram #carvedmug #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

⭐️⭐️⭐️GIVEAWAY⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m so grateful for all of you! Knowing that you appreciate my art means the world to me. Your support helps me provide for my family and I want to say THANK YOU! ❤️ I’m going to do a giveaway of this hydrangea tumbler that I carved. I altered its shape so that when you hold it, it fits perfectly into your hand. I really like this one and I hope you do too! To enter the giveaway: 1. Like, and comment on this post. 2. Follow me on instagram. 3. If you want additional entries share my post on your page and/or tag a friend (or many, I won’t judge 😉). Entries close at 11:59pm on Sunday April 21, 2024. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday April 22nd. I will ship free to anywhere in the continental United States. Per Instagram rules, I must let you know this giveaway is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release instagram of responsibility, and agree to instagram terms of use. No purchase necessary. #instagramgiveaway #ceramicartist #ceramicartwork #pottery #ceramics #utahartist #utahpotter #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedflowers #thorpeceramics

Today I was able to help judge the Lehi High School art show. I loved seeing all of the talented work that their students made. You could see the creativity and effort that these kids put into making their work! #lehihighschool #artjudge #thorpeceramics

Looking back at my previous work I love to see how my work has grown and changed. That being said this is still one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever made. #lookingback #ceramicplate #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

Normally I just carve, but I wanted to add more depth to this piece. I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing and the freedom of just exploring is pretty great. #ceramicart #pottery #potterymug #ceramicsculpture #porcelain #thorpeceramics

You can get a bark texture using a ton of different methods. This is my favorite way to do it. I first use a stylus tool and carve in some deep lines, then go back over it with a diamond tools sgraffito tool to add shallower lines and texture. The burred edge on the sgraffito tool really helps create a subtlety rough surface. I tagged the exact tool in the post if you’re interested in knowing which one I’m using. #diamondcoretools #carvingporcelain #carvingbark #carvingpottery #potterydemo #utahartist #utahpotter #ceramicartist #ceramicart #thorpeceramics

Ive hesitated to share too much about myself or my family on social media as I’m a pretty introverted person. After talking with my sweet husband I’ve decided to post more about me and who I am as a person. Beyond just my art. I know it may not be the content for everyone but, and that’s ok. I want to give you the chance to get to know me through if you’re interested. So for tonight, I’ll just share this. I have two beautiful boys, and hiking is one of my absolute favorite things to do. This was my baby’s first hike, although he didn’t do much work 😂 #thorpeceramics

I’m making a bunch of these woodsy carved tumblers. Here are just a few I’m working on. #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #pottery #ceramics #ceramicart #ceramicstudio #thorpeceramics

I’ve been experimenting with gently scalloping the rims of tumblers to create a more organic feel. I’m really enjoying it. #carving #carvingclay #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

I don’t think I’ve ever done a studio tour. This is a 110sq ft room that’s attached to my garage. It was only a framed out storage room when I bought the house. I got it remodeled, and painted. It has a nice size window that provides some natural light and is my little haven. #studiotour #ceramicstudio #potterystudio #potterylife #ceramicprocess #thorpeceramics

This is an older video but it gives a great start to finish of how I create my pieces. #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #carvingclay #utahpottery #utahpotter #utahartist #ceramics #pottery #thorpeceramics #makingpottery

Day two at the St. George art festival! So excited for another fun day! #stgeorgearts #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics

Should I be sleeping right now, with a big show tomorrow? Definitely. Instead I’m going over every piece one last time. Making sure to get any remaining dust off from sanding the feet. #stgeorgearts #utahpottery #ceramicartist #potterystudio #ceramicartist #thorpeceramics

Opening the kiln is terrifying sometimes. After yesterday’s cracked platter I was super nervous about opening it today. I’m really happy with how this vase turned out though! Tonight I’ll pack it up to take to the St. George Art Festival this Friday and Saturday. #carvedporcelain #carvedvase #carvedpottery #potteryvase #ceramicart #ceramicartist #utahpotter #utahartist #thorpeceramics

This is really heartbreaking. I loved this platter but unfortunately it cracked during the glaze firing. Unfortunately this happens sometimes, and all you can do is try to learn from it and move on. #glazefail #ceramicart #ceramicstudio #potterystudio #thorpeceramics

I was really unsure of how to glaze these platters. They’re too wide to fit in any of my buckets, luckily I have this tote which worked perfectly for the job. #glazeday #glazing #ceramicstudio #potterystudio #pottery

Well this was an unexpected result. I opened my kiln late last night and found almost everything had turned this grayish blue. I realized it’s because the last glaze I use was too thick. While it’s not what I expected I don’t dislike it. There’s a lot of depth of color. Unfortunately it’s an overcast day so catching it on video is difficult. What do you think of the result? #glazefiring #potterymug #thorpeceramics

Today was a big glaze day. I’m not sure how other potters do it, but I dip my work in glaze and always end up making a big mess. It’s definitely my least favorite part of the process 🤪. One load in, probably three more to go. #ceramicstudio #potterystudio #glazeday #thorpeceramics

It has been a busy last few days! Im participating in the St. George Art Festival next Friday and Saturday, and have been loading and unloading my kiln every day. Tonight the last load of greenware goes in. Tomorrow I’ll start glazing!! #stgeorgeartfestival #utahartist #utahpotter #ceramicstudio #potterslife #potterystudio

Since I’ve been really enjoying carving altered forms, I thought I’d try a tumbler. I altered the rim, foot, and squeezed it gently where your fingers would go while holding it. Im thinking about making more of these, what do you think? #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedcup #potterycup #ceramiccup #ceramicart #ceramicartist #pottery #potterystudio #thorpeceramics

This hydrangea platter took about 9.5 hours to carve. It was pretty difficult to carve some of the altered areas along the border. Too little pressure and I wouldn’t carve deep enough, too much pressure and I’d risk cracking it. #carvedporcelain #pottery #servingplatter #carvedpottery #ceramicartist #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics

I got the best package in the mail yesterday! I’ve been a longtime fan of @christinasculpture and I finally have one of her mugs!!! If you don’t know her work, she’s an incredible sculptor and potter. Her work is breathtaking. Thank you so much Christina ❤️

The rim of this vase broke while I was working on it yesterday. I was initially pretty irritated as I’d already spent several hours on it. But I think it was the best thing that could have happened to this vase. I think it looks a lot better now. #happyaccidents #carvedvase #carvedpottery #carvedart #ceramicart #ceramicartist #pottery #carvedclay #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics

This vase is definitely a work in progress. Still a lot of carving to do, but I hope to finish it today. #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedvase #carvedceramics #utahpottery #utahpotter #utahartist #ceramics #ceramicart #potteryvase #thorpeceramics

I’ve been exploring shapes that aren’t completely round and have really been enjoying it. Here is a vase that I altered and lightly carved. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will make it through the rest of the process! #carving #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #utahartist #utahart #thorpeceramics

Just finished carving this. I’ll be honest, I’ve been calling it “the thing” because I’m not sure what it is. What do you guys think 🤨? On the wall or on a table? #whatdoyouthink #carvingporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedclay #utahartist #utahpotter #carvedflowers #thorpeceramics

I can’t remember the last time I hand built something but I really wanted to try a more organic form. It’s definitely a work in progress. #handbuilding #ceramics #utahartist #utahpottery #utahpotter #utahclay #ceramics #ceramicart #carvingporcelain #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

While carving is my passion, I also make quite a lot of traditional mugs. They tend to be large, 14-16oz, enough to get your coffee fix to start the day, or relax at the end of the night with a mug of cocoa. #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics #potterymug #coffeemug

My sister in law asked me if I could make her a colander. I said sure, I mean how hard can it be? Make a bowl, poke it full of holes and slap some handles on it 🤷🏼‍♀️. Well I’m on my 6th iteration of a colander 😂. I’ve definitely learned a lot from this experience on how not to make a colander. #learningfromfailure #potterycolander #ceramics #pottery #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

It’s been a few weeks since I posted. I’ve been battling bronchitis for the last few weeks and am just now starting to feel better enough to work in my studio again. I’m so happy to be able to start working again, I’ve really missed my studio time. #thorpeceramics

Here are some of my favorite pieces that I have finished recently, I finally had time last night to finish editing the photos so that I could document them. #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedceramics #ceramicart #utahpotter #utahartist #thorpeceramics #pottersofinstagram #potteryutah #natureart #flowerart #ceramics

Clay Con West was an amazing experience! I loved having the opportunity to present and teach other potters about my carving. I also got to meet @christinasculpture , @5linespottery and many others who I’ve long admired. Thank you so much @pattiwithtwoeyes for taking some truly incredible photos of the event, and of me and my baby. I definitely plan on returning next year! @clayconwest @thorpeceramics

Today at Clay Con West I got to meet Becca Otis from @5linespotterystudio I’m so happy!! I love her podcast and her work! @clayconwest @thorpeceramics

Clay Con West is here! I’m so excited and nervous. Today I’ll be presenting at 12:45 on carving porcelain. #clayconwest #carvingclay #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

Opening the kiln is always nerve wracking. Today though, this gorgeous tumbler came out. I’m so happy! I’ll take some nicer photos in the next few days that’ll better show the color as the lighting in my kiln room isn’t the best. #kilnopening #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedtumbler #carvedflowers #carvingceramics #ceramicsutah #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics

I had a wonderful day carving today, what did you do? #carvingporcelain #carvingpottery #carvingclay #carvedceramics #ceramics #pottery #utahpottery #utahceramics #utahartist #thorpeceramics

I was only able to carve for a short amount of time today due to my baby being sick with a cold. That being said I’m excited about the design and I hope it turns out well! #carvedporcelain #carvedflowers #pottery #ceramics #utahpottery #utahpotter #carvedtumbler #thorpeceramics

Have you ever looked at the individual flowers of a hydrangea up close? They’re really pretty and interesting flowers, I really enjoy carving them. #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedtumbler #carvedflowers #ceramics #pottery #utahpottery #utahartist #thorpeceramics

This week I’m finishing up some carved pieces to take to Clay Con West. It’s been a slow process juggling the new baby and carving but I’m loving every minute of it! #clayconwest #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedtumbler #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

This is how I start every carving, by drawing it out onto the leather hard clay first. #utahartist #utahpottery #carvedclay #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics #carvingclay

Sometimes the best tool is one you make yourself. This is a sewing pin I taped to another carving tool. I use this one for doing the tiniest detail work. For example the stamen of these dogwood flowers. I actually got the idea from @taniagoldberg_fineart who has always been amazing at giving advice. #dogwoodpottery #carvedpottery #carvedpotteryplate #flowerpottery #flowerplate #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics

I’m back in my studio!! It’s been months since I’ve really been able to carve and I’m so excited to be able to work again! #carvedporcelain #carvedflowers #carvedpottery #flowerpottery #ceramics #pottery #utahpottery #utahartist #carvingdemo #thorpeceramics

Not clay related but I’m so excited to announce the birth of my son on Saturday 10/14. We are both doing great

As some of you may know I’m pregnant with my second son and it’s been a rough pregnancy. Due to my health I’m taking a step back from shows and events until after he is born. So for now I’m limited to sketches. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported and encouraged me this year! I’ve met so many amazing people this year and I really hope our paths cross again. #thorpeceramics #pregnancybedrest

Hey everyone I’ll be participating in Utah’s Beer Fest this Saturday and Sunday. I am participating through Allied Against Cancer. There’s a great event connected with the festival Thursday night called Cancer’s a Drag, that I will also be attending in support of the LGBTQ+ (see link). I’d love to see you guys at either event! https://e.givesmart.com/events/uVH/ #thorpeceramics #utahbeerfestival #cancersadrag #utahartist

I got the glaze back!! It’s taken a lot of trial and error, some disasters, but I finally have success. I first tried a small sample on a test tile. When it turned out well I ran it through some tests, including a cycle of boil and ice baths one after the other. This is to check the fit of the glaze. If it isn’t fitting the clay it will craze (micro-crack) after the firing when exposed to extreme temperatures. I then ran ink over it to check for cracks. I got overly excited at that point and glazed several mugs. Only to have them run terribly due to the top glaze being to thick and too far down the mug. Ran more tests and finally achieved the blue I was wanting. #glazetesting #mugshotmonday #ceramicglazes #thorpeceramics

Hey everyone, I’m so sad to say that unfortunately due to pregnancy related health issues I’m having to pull out of the Utah County Fair. Im extremely disappointed as I met a lot of great people yesterday and would’ve loved to continue. Thank you @sunsetfarmersmarkets for the opportunity to display my work, I really appreciate it.

I’m here at the Utah County Fair today-Saturday! Come stop by. #utahcountyfair #utahcountyart #utahpotter #thorpeceramics

This is a perfect example of why I got an high quality Advancer kiln shelf. On a regular kiln shelf the running at the bottom would be a nightmare mess to clean off. Glaze would’ve soaked into the shelf and required a lot of labor to remove. On an Advancer,it just pops off. But what am I doing here making a mess? I’ve been working really hard on figuring out if my blue recipe that we all loved can handle cone 10. It might seem like the difference in temperature from 2232 Fahrenheit to 2350 Fahrenheit isn’t a huge leap but it really does matter. I’ve had several tests and lots of tears, but I think I’m almost to a resolution so keep your fingers crossed! #glazetesting #glazes #glazemess #potterytest #thorpeceramics

I’m at the Provo Farmer’s Market today from 9-2. Come stop by! #provofarmersmarket #potteryutah #utahmugs #handmademugs #utahart #thorpeceramics

Here’s another glaze I’m trying out. It came out beautifully, I love the depth to it!! Thanks @kline.sculpts.porcelain for this gorgeous color! #glazetesting #potterymugs #handmademug #utahpottery #utahmugs #thorpeceramics

Doing some tests with new glazes today on my brand new Advancer kiln shelf! I’ve wanted one of these for years and was able to save up and get one. These shelves are a dream for potters as glaze doesn’t stick and absorb into them if the glaze runs too far down the pot. #advancerkilnshelves #kilnshelf #glazetesting #thorpeceramics

I’m so excited and honored to announce that I’ll be a mini-presenter at Clay Con West 2024! I’ll be demonstrating the way I carve porcelain. #clayconwest #utahartist #utahpotter #carvingporcelain #minipresenter #thorpeceramics

Good morning everyone! I’m at the Provo Farmer’s market today from 9-2pm. I’m doing a Summer Sale on all carved pieces. #provofarmersmarket #provopotter #utahartist #utahpotter #handmadeutah #thorpeceramics

Hey everyone I’m having a summer sale on my carved pieces this Saturday at the Provo Farmer’s Market! Come stop by for a great deal! #provofarmersmarket #utahhandmade #utahpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedplates #carvedpottery #thorpeceramics

Just got this mug out of the kiln this morning! This is a new glaze I’m trying out. What do you think? I’ll have 10 of these available at the Provo Farmer’s Market this Saturday from 9-2. #handmademug #potterymug #utahartist #utahpottery #provofarmersmarket #thorpeceramics

I love finding new species of plants to carve into porcelain. This one is was inspired by my strawberry plants. I hope you like it! #carvedmug #handmademug #porcelainmug #potterymug #utahartist #utahpottery #strawberrymug #plantart #handmadeutah #utahpotter #thorpeceramics

I’ve debated posting this because of how discouraging this is. Here’s what can happen if you don’t test, test, test. A complete user error of new clay and glaze. The glaze ran off off most of the work, and onto my shelves. It was upsetting to say the least. It was a hard lesson to learn. But I’m grateful to be having some help in resolving the problem so it doesn’t happen again. So for all you guys out there remember to run tests before jumping headfirst into stuff. #kilnfails #glazerunning #potteryfails #thorpeceramics

Last day of the Utah Arts Festival today! #utahartsfest #handmadeutah #utahpottery #utahart #slctoday #saltlakecity

I’m having so much fun at the Utah Arts Festival! Here are some of my favorites that are available today and tomorrow. Each is meticulously carved after different flora and fauna I’m interested in. If you’re looking for a unique wall piece come check my booth, number 9, out! #utahartsfest #handmadeutah #slc #wallart #utahwallart #utahpottery #handmade #handcarved #slctoday #saltlakecity #carvedporcelain #carvedart #carvedflowers #decorativeplates

Just finished setting up at the Utah Arts Festival in Salt Lake City. I’m so excited for this event! #utahartfestival #utahpottery #handmademug #slc #slcfestival #thorpeceramics

Today was my last cone 6 glaze day. Moving forward I’ll be switching clays and glazes to cone 10. This means that while I do not intend to use this glaze combination in the future, I’m thrilled to be working with some very experienced experts to bring you even better glazes. I’m making this change as I feel it will better fit my work and will be a wonderful step forward in my journey as a potter. #changeishood #cone6oxidation #potteryglazes #pottery #ceramics #ceramicart #thorpeceramics

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I’ll be at the Utah Arts Festival at Library square in Salt Lake City. It is open from noon-11pm on Friday and Saturday and noon-9pm on Sunday. I’m in booth #9. I’m so excited to be a part of this festival and would love to see you there! #utahartsfest #utahpotter #utahartist #utahart #slcart #utahartsfestival #thorpeceramics

New work available at the Provo Farmers Market! I’m here today from 9-2pm. I’m at booth 84 by the playground. Come check it out! #provofarmersmarket #utahartist #utahart #utahpotter #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #thorpeceramics

Anyone looking for some cute ice cream bowls 😋? These will be available at the Provo Farmers Market on Saturday from 9-2pm. Come stop by! #provofarmersmarket #utahartist #utahpotter #utahceramics #icecreambowls #thorpeceramics

I just finished carving this owl vase today. It’s a new vase shape I thought I’d try, and while it’s original shape didn’t work out I’m much happier with the shape it became. Hopefully he will be finished by next weekend and can go to the Utah Arts Festival. #utahcarving #owlvase #carvedowl #colemanporcelain #carvedvase #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedart #utahartist #utahpotter #ceramics #pottery #potteryart #potterslife #thorpeceramics #utahartsfest

The past several days I had the joy of attending a workshop with Tom and Elaine Coleman, and Amy Kline. I’m so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. Meeting these potters was a dream come true, and their knowledge and kindness is humbling. There is so much that I will be taking back to my own practice to be a better potter. #tomcoleman #conetenpottery #coneten #colemanporcelain #colemanworkshop #porcelainworkshop

Hey everyone, I have these beautiful carved decorative plates available for sale! Each one was meticulously carved over many hours based on species I find interesting. They each come with a wall mount. I’m going to do it a little differently though from my last shop update. I’m going to try selling directly from my social media account instead of Etsy. All you have to do is comment and tell me which one you want and I’ll ship it free to anywhere in the continental United States! 1. Northern Saw-Whet owl $250. 2. Wild Roses $150. 3. Rocky Mountain Columbine $110 4. Quaking Aspen $200 #utahartist #artsale #thorpeceramics #utahcountyartist #natureart #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedart #carvedflowers

Good morning everyone!! I’m here at the Provo Farmers Market today from 9-2pm. I’d love to see you all 😃 #utahcounty #utahcountyartist #provofarmersmarket #utahpotter #utahpottery #thorpeceramics

I somehow managed to hurt my back while sleeping last night, so today is a sketching day for me. I love the way the last owl plate turned out I really want to do another. Or perhaps I’ll put this guy on the side of a mug. We will have to see 😉. #thorpeceramics #owls #owlsketch #drawingday #roughdraft #drawing

I just love it when the kiln load turns out. This glaze combination is definitely my absolute favorite! If you’re looking for a mug like this come visit me this Saturday from 9-2 at the Provo Farmers Market 😃. #provofarmersmarket #mugs #utahfarmersmarkets #utahartist #utahpotter #utahceramicartist #utahmugmaker #utahcountyartist #thorpeceramics

Come check out my booth at Art on Main in Brigham City Utah, booth M7. I’ll be here all day today and tomorrow 😊. #artonmain #brighamcity #utahart #utahartist #utahart #thorpeceramics

This owl plate was so much fun to carve! It’ll be coming with me to my booth at Brigham City’s Art on Main tomorrow and Friday! If you’re in the area come stop by my booth 😊. #brighamcity #brighamcityutah #utahartist #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedowl #thorpeceramics

Just finished carving this gorgeous tulip mug! I’m so excited to glaze and see it completely done. #tulip #carved #carvedmug #carvedporcelain #carvedpotterymug #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

In progress 😊. I am pretty excited about this mug! #carvedmug #carvedpottery #carvedporcelain #carvedceramics #thorpeceramics

Translucency is something that is unique about porcelain if you make it thin enough. It’s something I’ve been experimenting with. I was definitely expecting this plate to crack when I was carving it. Thankfully it turned out beautifully #translucentporcelain #porcelain #carvedporcelain #carvedflowers #carvedceramics #carvedpottery #ceramics #amacobrent #thorpeceramics

I’ve always loved peonies but have been too scared to carve them until now. The complexity of the petals has felt daunting. Yesterday I buckled down and decided to give it a shot. It took 11 hours but I feel it was time well spent. #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedpeonies #carvedflowers #carving #ceramics #ceramicart #pottery #pottersofinstagram #hardworkpaysoff #thorpeceramics

Here’s another one of my most recent pieces. I really am loving Blue Flax. I’m looking to carve more blue flowers or birds, so give me some suggestions 😄! #loveblue #carvedporcelain #carvingpottery #carvedvase #bluevase #bluepottery #pottery #ceramics #ceramicartist #thorpeceramics

Not my best photo, but I’m pretty happy with how this Bluebird turned out. #bluebird #carvedbird #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporclain #pottery #pottersofinstagram #ceramicartist #ceramicart #porcelain #thorpeceramics

This is my second time carving out an animal. I’m really pretty happy with how this owl turned out in the carving phase. It’s a relief as I was unsure how it would look. #carvedporcelain #carvedbird #carvedowl #carvedclay #carvedceramics #carvedpottery #ceramics #ceramicart #potters #potterystudio #ceramicartist #thorpeceramics

I’m pretty happy with how this hydrangea vase turned out. What do you think? #utahartist #botanicalart #carving #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #carvedflowers #hydrangea #flowerart #flowerpottery #utahpottery #thorpeceramics #ceramics #pottery #ceramicart #amacobrent

Thank you to everyone who supported me at the St. George Art Festival! I had an absolute blast and met a lot of really cool people and artists. I hope to be back next year. #stgeorgeartfestival #utahart #utahartist #thorpeceramics

Come stop by my booth at the St. George Art Festival! I’d love to see you at booth F30. #stgeorgeartfestival #utahartist #utahpotter #ceramicsart #thorpeceramics

Glazing and firing some work for the St. George Art Festival! I already fired one batch and have another going now. Hopefully everything turns out great. #glaze glazingpots #glazing #pottery #ceramics #ceramicart #ceramicartist #utahartist #utahpotter #thorpeceramics

The great debate. Handles. Get a group of potters together and ask them “how do you make handles?” And you’ll get a dozen different answers. Some people “pull” handles, some extrude, others hand-build. I believe the best way to make them is the way that works for you 🤷🏼‍♀️. They are not an easy thing to learn. For me, I designed the shape and size that I like for a handle and had an extruder die made. I extrude a long strip, cut it to size, let it dry a little then attach it with a slip mixture. #mughandles #mugs #pottery #ceramicart #ceramics #utahartist #thorpeceramics

I’m so excited to be going showing my work at the St. George Art Festival this year! If you’re in the area please stop on by my booth! #stgeorgeartfestival #utahartist #utahart #utahpotter #thorpeceramics

I am so so happy with how this turned out!!! It took about 11 hours of carving but worth every minute. Now I’m going to let it dry super slowly and hope for the best! #sucess #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #pottery #ceramicart #potteryart #thorpeceramics

Here’s a new plate I’m starting today. I’m very nervous about this one. I’ve never carved an animal and I’m worried this bird won’t look as nice once carved out. But I won’t know unless I try. I can’t improve unless I take risks. I usually draw my design in a sketchbook then again on the piece. This time though I’m using carbon transfer paper to accurately draw the bird again. #carving #carvedart #carvedporcelain #utahartist #ceramicart #pottery #ceramics #thorpeceramics

All carved out! I really like the simplicity of this piece. #carvedpottery #carvedceramics #carvedporcelain #botanicalart #utahartist #utahpotter #utahceramics #thorpeceramics

I bought a new stylus tool from @diamondcoretools. It is wickedly sharp and is perfect for carving these California Checkerbloom flowers. #botanicalart #carvedporcelain #carvedpottery #flowers #pottery #ceramics #utahartist #utahpottery #utahpotter #thorpeceramics

They’re ready to fire! Tomorrow morning they’re going to go into my kiln and fire to cone 6, which is 2232 degrees Fahrenheit. This takes approximately 24 hours from the time I load to the time I unload. #glazeday #ceramicartist #utahpotter #utahartist #soupmugs #commisionmugs #thorpeceramics