
About

Patty Cornelius
Nature is a huge influence on my work. I’m always inspired by the shapes, textures, and patterns I see around me, whether it’s the grain of wood, the way water flows, or the details of a flower. I try to bring that organic, earthy feel into my work.
Studio pottery is perfectly imperfect, it’s marks a record of a moment in time, it’s final result a combination of heat, the atmosphere and how molecules are bonded into glass. Every piece turns out a little different—no two are ever exactly alike, which I think is part of the magic of handmade pottery.
For me, pottery is about more than just making something pretty. It’s about creating pieces that people can enjoy in their everyday lives—whether it’s a favorite mug for your morning coffee or a special bowl for family meals. I want my pieces to feel good in your hands and be something you look forward to using.
I’ve had a connection to clay since I was a child playing in the creek near my house. The banks were made of clay and we would dig it out and shape it into little pots. We would leave to dry on the rocks and be heartbroken when we returned to find them crumbled.
It wasn’t until I took a ceramics class in college that I started to think of pottery seriously. What started as a fun elective quickly turned into a passion. I loved that I could take an idea and turn it into something real—something that people could actually use. There’s something special about creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also functional. That balance of form and function is what drives my work, and it’s what keeps me excited about what I do every day.