Business Details
46 Years
experience
Handcrafted Porcelain Pottery in Freeland, WA
STILLFire Pottery has been crafting fine handcrafted porcelain since 1980, rooted in the natural beauty of Whidbey Island, Washington. Founded by Carol Ann Bauer, our work reflects decades of expertise in functional pottery and artistic expression. In 1995, Howard Hamsa joined as business manager, enabling us to establish this family-run enterprise. Our porcelain creationsbowls, vases, mugs, and traysare designed for durability and aesthetic harmony, combining classical forms with intricate glazes. We prioritize lead-free, microwaveable, and dishwasher-safe materials to meet everyday needs. While we previously participated in 18-20 annual art festivals nationwide, we now focus on gallery partnerships, online sales, and studio operations.Our work is available through Orcas Island Pottery, Ashford Creek Pottery, Penn Cove Gallery, and Hellebore Glass Gallery. We emphasize direct customer engagement through appointments and maintain a commitment to quality through gas-firing at 2400F. Our evolving collection includes raku marine-themed wall art and porcelain jewelry, reflecting our connection to water and nature. Customer feedback fuels our passion, ensuring each piece resonates with those who use and display them.
Services
Porcelain Bowls
Handcrafted Vases
Functional Trays
Custom Mugs
Porcelain Jewelry
Raku Wall Art
Gallery Sales
Online Store
Studio Appointments
Art Festival Participation
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in porcelain craftsmanship.
- Our family-run business combines artistic heritage with functional design.
- Each piece is gas-fired at 2400F for exceptional durability.
- We offer direct studio access by appointment for personalized service.
- Our work is available through trusted Pacific Northwest galleries.
Services
Porcelain Tableware
Our handcrafted porcelain bowls, plates, and mugs combine functional design with artistic detail. Each piece undergoes gas-firing at 2400F for durability while maintaining microwave and dishwasher safety. Customers appreciate the balance of classical forms with unique glaze patterns that resist mass-produced uniformity.
Raku Wall Art
These one-of-a-kind marine-themed wall pieces showcase our experimental raku firing technique. The process creates distinctive crackle patterns and metallic finishes that transform interior spaces. Each artwork reflects our connection to coastal environments and water themes.
Porcelain Jewelry
Our evolving jewelry line features lightweight porcelain pendants and earrings with nature-inspired designs. The pieces maintain ceramic durability while incorporating wearable art concepts. Customers value these items as unique fashion statements with artisan craftsmanship.
Gallery Partnerships
We supply select galleries across the Pacific Northwest including Orcas Island Pottery and Ashford Creek Pottery. This network ensures broader accessibility while maintaining personal quality control. Partners appreciate our consistent production standards and market-ready designs.
Studio Appointments
Private studio tours allow direct interaction with our creative process and inventory. Visitors experience the Whidbey Island setting that inspires our work. This personalized approach helps customers understand the craftsmanship behind each porcelain piece.
People
Carol Ann Bauer
Founder & Lead Artist
Carol has specialized in porcelain craftsmanship since 1980, drawing inspiration from her Midwest river-town upbringing and Pacific Northwest surroundings. Her work balances functional design with artistic expression.
Howard Hamsa
Business Manager
Howard transitioned from full-time business management in 1995 to support the family pottery venture. He oversees operations while maintaining the studio's creative environment on Whidbey Island.
Questions
What types of porcelain products do you create?
We specialize in functional porcelain tableware including bowls, vases, mugs, and trays, along with raku marine-themed wall art and porcelain jewelry.
Can I visit your studio in person?
Yes, our Freeland studio is available by appointment for personalized visits and purchases.
Are your products food-safe and durable?
All porcelain items are lead-free, microwaveable, dishwasher-safe, and fired at 2400°F for exceptional durability.
Where else can I find your work?
Our pottery is available through Orcas Island Pottery, Ashford Creek Pottery, Penn Cove Gallery, and Hellebore Glass Gallery.
Do you accept custom orders?
We welcome custom requests and can discuss personalized designs through direct contact.
How has your business evolved recently?
We've shifted focus from 18-20 annual art festivals to online sales, gallery partnerships, and studio operations since 2020.
Reviews (1)
Carel Edgerly
Oct 07, 2020
Report
This is run by a lovely couple who make the most beautiful porcelain bowls, platters; I especially love their coffee mugs. I must have a dozen of their pieces and buy more at every Best of the Northwest show. (See nwartalliance.org.)
