Business Details
37 Years
experience
Handcrafted Terra Cotta Pottery in Vermont
L Koehler Pottery has been crafting hand-thrown terra cotta ceramics since 1989, combining traditional techniques with global artistic influences. Our work begins with smooth, sensual terra cotta clay that we shape on the wheel, creating functional and decorative pieces that celebrate the earth's natural beauty. We apply white majolica glaze as a canvas for vibrant color patterns, using Mason stains mixed from powdered pigments and carving intricate designs that reveal contrasting layers beneath. Each piece bears a distinctive leaf-like pattern created with a peach pit, our signature mark of authenticity. With decades of experience, including residencies at Shelburne Craft School and Goddard College, our practice has evolved from garden ware to pit-fired forms and now focuses on majolica earthenware.We draw inspiration from Mediterranean pottery traditions, Middle Eastern and North African tiles, and Japanese ink painting techniques. Our commitment to quality extends beyond aesthetics - we've collaborated with indigenous potters in Togo and created ceramic water filters for communities in Tanzania and Uganda. Every item we produce reflects both technical mastery and a deep respect for the living material we work with, ensuring each piece carries the story of its creation from raw earth to finished art.
Services
Chopstick Bowls
Serving Bowls
Wedding Bowls
Cups
Candle Holders
Berry Bowls
Custom Kid Bowls
Mugs
Small Bowls
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 33 years of specialized pottery expertise since 1989
- Unique peach-pit carving technique creates signature designs
- Combines Japanese ceramic traditions with Mediterranean influences
- Offers studio visits and in-person purchasing options
- Sustainable practices honoring natural clay properties
Services
Hand-thrown Pottery
Each ceramic piece begins as terra cotta clay shaped on the potter's wheel. Using traditional hand-throwing techniques, we create functional forms that highlight the material's natural qualities. The process preserves subtle imperfections that add character while maintaining precise structural integrity. Every item receives individual attention to ensure balanced proportions and smooth surfaces ready for decoration.
Majolica Glazing
White majolica glaze provides a luminous base for our colorful designs. We mix powdered Mason stains to create custom pigments, applying them in vibrant patterns before carving intricate details. This multi-step process reveals contrasting layers beneath the surface. The technique combines historical methods with contemporary color palettes to produce distinctive decorative effects that enhance each vessel's form.
Custom Orders
We create bespoke ceramic pieces tailored to specific needs. From wedding bowls marking special occasions to custom dinnerware sets, our process begins with client consultation to understand functional requirements and aesthetic preferences. The studio accommodates special requests for size modifications, personalized patterns, or unique functional adaptations while maintaining our signature artistic style and quality standards.
Studio Visits
The Marshfield studio welcomes visitors to experience our working environment and view available pieces. Guests observe active production areas and learn about ongoing projects while selecting from current inventory. The visit includes access to our full collection and the opportunity to discuss custom options directly with the potter. Advance arrangements ensure personalized attention during studio tours.
Workshop Instruction
Drawing from decades of teaching experience at craft schools and colleges, we offer hands-on instruction in wheel-throwing and surface decoration techniques. Participants learn fundamental skills while creating their own ceramic pieces. The workshop environment encourages creative exploration while emphasizing proper technical execution. Instruction accommodates various skill levels from beginner to advanced practitioners.
People
Leslie Koehler
Owner/Potter
Leslie Koehler established the studio in 1989 after teaching at Shelburne Craft School and Goddard College. With a BA in Art History from University of Massachusetts, she studied Japanese ceramics and learned from potters in Togo, Tanzania, and Uganda. Her work reflects global influences and technical mastery.
Questions
How do I place an order?
Fill out our contact form or call the studio directly. We accept check, Venmo, and credit/debit card payments for phone/email orders. In-person purchases at the studio offer additional payment options.
What payment methods are available?
We accept check, Venmo, cash, and credit/debit cards. Payment options vary depending on whether purchases occur through phone/email communication or in-person studio visits.
Can I request custom pottery designs?
Yes, we welcome custom orders. Contact us to discuss special requests for size modifications, personalized patterns, or unique functional adaptations while maintaining our signature artistic style.
What inspires your pottery designs?
Our work draws inspiration from Mediterranean pottery traditions, Middle Eastern and North African tile work, and Japanese ink painting techniques. Global experiences, including collaborations in Africa, influence our decorative approach.
May I visit the studio?
The studio is open to the public by appointment. Contact us to arrange a visit and see working areas, current inventory, and discuss custom options directly with the potter.
Reviews (1)
Giordano Checchi
Sep 14, 2021
Report
Leslie has been working on an unusual custom project for us. She is talented and very patient. Her work is worth seeing it.