Business Details
21 Years
experience
Handcrafted Wood-Fired Ceramics in Herman, NE
Big Table Studios is dedicated to crafting high-quality functional and sculptural wood-fired ceramics using locally sourced materials. Founded in 2005, our studio is home to the Lynn Kiln, a 250 cubic foot anagama-style wood-burning kiln that requires a two-week firing process. Our artists, John Martelle and Liz Vercruysse, combine traditional techniques with contemporary design, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the unique properties of wood-fired clay. We prioritize sustainability by harvesting wood from deadfall on our property and collaborating with local arborists. Each piece is unglazed, allowing flame and ash to create one-of-a-kind effects during firing.Functional items are lined with natural glazes derived from soybean, oat straw, or wood ash for durability. Our studio in Herman, Nebraska, serves as both a creative hub and educational space, offering classes and workshops for all skill levels. The rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley provide endless inspiration for our work, which balances technical mastery with artistic expression. We are committed to preserving the integrity of wood-firing traditions while pushing the boundaries of ceramic art. Our community-focused approach includes hosting pottery parties and private lessons, fostering a deeper appreciation for handmade ceramics.
Services
Wood-fired ceramics
Pottery classes
Private lessons
Kiln firing services
Ceramic workshops
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We use locally sourced clay and wood for sustainable ceramic production
- Our custom-built anagama kiln creates unique flame-effects on each piece
- Offering pottery education since 2005 with expert artist instruction
- Functional wares feature natural ash-derived interior glazes for durability
- Studio located in Nebraska's inspiring Missouri River Valley landscape
What people say
Unique one-of-a-kind ceramics
Exceptional natural glaze effects
Knowledgeable instructors
Inspiring studio location
Creative pottery parties
Services
Wood-Fired Ceramics
Our wood-fired ceramics combine traditional techniques with modern design. Each piece uses locally sourced clay and natural glazes, fired in our custom anagama kiln for two weeks. Flame and ash create unique surface effects on every item. Functional pieces feature interior linings made from soybean or oat straw ash for food-safe durability.
Pottery Classes
We offer 6-week adult pottery classes covering hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing techniques. Sessions include all materials and firing services, held weekday evenings in multiple seasonal terms. Students create both functional and decorative pieces using our studio's natural resources and professional equipment.
Private Lessons
Tailored pottery instruction available for individuals or small groups. Private sessions cover hand-building, wheel techniques, and firing processes with flexible scheduling. Pricing varies based on group size, duration, and skill level, offering personalized guidance from our experienced ceramic artists.
People
John Martelle
Co-Founder & Ceramic Artist
John Martelle co-founded Big Table Studios in 2005. He specializes in wood-fired ceramics using local Nebraska clay. His work blends traditional functional design with contemporary aesthetics, emphasizing natural material properties and flame effects during firing.
Liz Vercruysse
Co-Founder & Ceramic Artist
Liz Vercruysse co-founded Big Table Studios and creates sculptural ceramics inspired by seed pods and botanical forms. Her work explores organic textures and natural reproductive structures, utilizing wood-firing techniques to enhance surface patterns and material characteristics.
Questions
What makes wood-fired ceramics unique?
Wood-fired ceramics develop distinctive surface effects from flame and ash during the two-week firing process. Each piece captures natural patterns that cannot be replicated in electric or gas kilns.
Do you offer pottery classes for beginners?
Yes, we provide 6-week adult classes covering hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing techniques. No prior experience is required for our structured sessions with professional instruction.
Can I visit the studio without a class?
The studio is currently open only by appointment. Please contact us to schedule a visit outside regular class hours or pottery party events.
What materials do you use in your ceramics?
We use locally sourced clay dug within one mile of our studio. Firing wood comes from deadfall on our property and local arborist sources. Natural ash glazes are derived from soybean, oat straw, and wood ash.
How do you ensure food safety in functional pottery?
Functional pieces receive interior linings of natural ash glazes that create food-safe, non-porous surfaces. These glazes melt during firing to form smooth, durable finishes while exterior surfaces retain natural flame effects.
Reviews (2)
Jey Schroeder
Jun 08, 2019
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I love Liz! She's very welcoming and a wonderful artist! All the artists there are! Well priced too! Favorite place to go for ceramic gifts, home decor and kitchen ware!
Dave Varga
Jul 29, 2018
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Two wonderful people who happen to be talented potters/ceramicists. I look forward to the North Hills Pottery Tour every year.