Business Details
37 Years
experience
Handcrafted Wood-Fired Pottery in Cambridge, Wisconsin
Cambridge Wood-Fired Pottery was founded in 1989 with a commitment to crafting functional pottery inspired by Asian and European folk traditions. Our process begins with carefully sourced clay from Indiana, which we process and shape into tableware and garden pots using time-honored wheel-throwing techniques. We operate a noborigama chamber kiln built in 1999, firing three times annually with recycled bricks and sustainably harvested wood. Each firing cycle spans four months, culminating in kiln openings where visitors can view and purchase our work. Located on Tranquil Lane in Cambridge, Wisconsin, we welcome daily visits by appointment. Our founder, with formal training since 1978 and apprenticeship experience in France and the U.S., brings decades of expertise to every piece.We emphasize transparency in our craft, inviting guests to observe our process through workshops and kiln tours. Our dedication to traditional methods ensures each pot reflects both technical precision and artistic integrity. We maintain active participation in regional pottery events, including the Clay Collective Spring Tour and Midwest Fire Fest. Our work embodies a philosophy of mindful craftsmanship, where serenity and attention to detail create lasting functional art.
Services
Wood-fired pottery
Functional tableware
Garden pots
Kiln tours
Seasonal pottery sales
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in traditional wood-firing techniques
- Our kiln design traces back to 1000-year-old Japanese chamber kiln technology
- We use sustainably sourced clay and firewood in our process
- We offer direct access to our working studio and kiln tours
- Our founder trained under master potters in France and the United States
Services
Wood-fired pottery
Handcrafted functional pottery using traditional wood-firing techniques. Each piece bears unique markings from the firing process, reflecting centuries-old Asian and European folk traditions. Our work combines aesthetic beauty with everyday utility.
Kiln tours
Guided tours of our noborigama chamber kiln and working studio. Visitors observe our clay processing, wheel-throwing, and glazing operations. Tours include explanations of our three-chamber firing process that creates distinct pottery styles in each chamber.
Seasonal pottery sales
Twice-yearly events where finished pottery becomes available for purchase. These openings provide direct access to newly fired pieces straight from the kiln, with opportunities to discuss the craft process with the potter.
Garden pots
Durable wood-fired planters and garden vessels designed to withstand Wisconsin's climate. These functional art pieces combine traditional glazing techniques with weather-resistant construction for outdoor use.
Functional tableware
Hand-thrown plates, bowls, and serving pieces meant for daily use. Each item balances aesthetic design with practical considerations, featuring surfaces shaped by natural ash glazes and salt-firing techniques.
People
Mark Skudlarek
Owner/Potter
Mark established Cambridge Wood-Fired Pottery in 1989 after studying ceramics at Saint Johns University and apprenticing in France's La Borne pottery village. With over 40 years of experience, he specializes in traditional wood-firing techniques.
Questions
What type of pottery do you create?
We specialize in functional wood-fired pottery inspired by Asian and European folk traditions, including tableware, mugs, and garden pots.
Can visitors tour your studio and kiln?
Yes, we offer kiln tours during our seasonal openings and by appointment. Our Wisconsin studio welcomes pottery enthusiasts year-round.
How often do you fire your kiln?
We conduct three firings annually, each requiring four months of preparation and a three-day firing process reaching 2350°F.
Where can I purchase your pottery?
Our work is available through seasonal kiln openings in Cambridge, Wisconsin, and via our online Etsy shop featuring regularly updated collections.
Reviews (5)
Alison Garcia
Sep 15, 2021
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We loved our visit, including tour of your kilns! Thank you for telling us about your beautiful pottery. We love the pieces we purchased and all made it home from our roadtrip!
Patricia Bird
Apr 18, 2021
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Wonderful day at the Clay Collective Pottery tour. My husband found a great piece at this site and the artist was delightful to visit with!
Laurie Struss
Nov 14, 2018
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If you value quality made functional pottery. There is no better place to find it than this special corner of the world just outside of Cambridge. The warm tones of hand thrown stoneware will turn your even your leftovers into something special. The owner Mark is as genuine as they come. If I want to give a gift, or to add to my collection this is always my first stop.
Diane Brandt
Nov 01, 2017
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I love Mark's work. I have NEVER come away empty handed! His pottery and designs are unique from everyone one else.
Allan Costello
Feb 01, 2016
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As functional pottery goes, I love his work! You can see his wood fired kill where the magic happens!
