Our Team

Erica Allen studied ceramics at Columbus State University in Georgia beginning in 2015 for two years where she learned wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques. Emily Pell began learning the process of pottery in 2014 in Greensboro, NC at a local arts center and is a self-taught potter. Olivia Huffman learned pottery at the 18 Inch Journey in 2020 and joined our team as a full-time potter. In 2022, Angelle Moore joined the team as an administrative and production assistant.

Discipleship & Classes

We teach pottery classes in our 18 Inch Journey schools, camps, and retreats. We believe pottery can be a discipleship tool where people can meet God in learning and the creative process. The 18 Inch Journey from the head to the heart, is so often worked out through the hands. We also teach children’s pottery classes in our local community.

Whether it’s the delight of a child discovering creativity and play or adults becoming in touch with their imagination and experiencing liberation in their emotions, discipleship is the heartbeat of why we exist as potters and craftswomen. Our dream is that as you hold your ceramic vessel, you would experience the joy of investing in a product that serves a greater mission.

Click here to get a peek into our Pottery Collective during the 18 Inch Journey.

Sourcing & Process

We source our clay locally from two different suppliers, one in Star, NC and the other in Asheville, NC. Our red clay is mined and processed from the red clay locally in our region. 

Unlike mass produced ceramics, each of our pieces are hand-thrown on the potter’s wheel. Our process starts with an ordinary piece of clay that is centered and shaped on the wheel. Afterwards, the excess clay on the bottom of the pot is trimmed away and then fired in the kiln. Once it’s finished firing, we apply glaze, a glassy liquid substance, and it goes back into the firing at a higher temperature to become a finished piece.

Every design on our ceramic vessels enters a process of discovery, refinement, and collaboration. 

From start to finish, a small batch of mugs often takes 2-3 weeks to finish. Due to the delicate and often unpredictable nature of clay, we practice patience in making each piece unique, functional, and made to last.