NEW TO THE SHOP - MICHAEL HAMLIN-SMITH

Michael Hamlin-Smith grew up in North Ridgeville, a small suburb on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio. His affinity to work with his hands he tributes to his craft-oriented mother, Carole.  Michael was inspired by the work he saw after participating in an exchange program with American Field Service in Paraguay.  Soon after, Michael bought and installed a kiln in his friend’s basement and taught himself how to hand build, make glazes and fire his work.  Later, Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Columbus College of Art and Design in 1996.

His current work is predominantly wheel thrown.  His process starts by throwing the bottom half, allowing it to sit overnight to stiffen into a harder state, and throwing the following morning the top half onto the bottom.  Next he trims the piece right side up and gently pushes the bottom in. Michael’s work is influenced by midcentury modern, Scandinavian design as well as 12^th-15^th century Persian ceramics.  He brushes on his glaze instead of dipping or pouring to create a matte surface that also offers visual texture.

Michael now has a studio in Charlotte, NC.  His work is available in The Shop at Greenhill, and more of his work can also be viewed and purchased on Greenhill’s website: CLICK HERE