ProcessFeb 2026
Why we still fire with wood
In an age of electric kilns and precise temperature controls, we choose the unpredictable path. Here's why.
Est. 2018 — Portland, OregonMade slowly,
Made slowly,
with intention
Each piece is thrown by hand in our Portland studio, fired in a wood kiln, and glazed with minerals sourced from the Pacific Northwest.
01Scroll
Our Story
A studio built on the belief that beauty lives in the imperfect
Terracotta Studio was founded in 2018 by ceramicist Mara Okafor in a converted warehouse in Portland's Alberta Arts District. What began as a personal practice has grown into a small studio producing functional ceramics for homes, restaurants, and galleries.
Every piece is thrown on the wheel, trimmed by hand, and fired in our wood-burning kiln. We work with locally sourced stoneware clay and mineral glazes that shift and bloom unpredictably in the kiln.
See Our Process2,400+
Pieces made
6
Years in studio
120+
Stockists
100%
Hand-thrown
Current CollectionPieces made to be
View AllPieces made to be
lived with
Autumn Series
Harvest Bowl
A generous serving bowl with a matte terracotta glaze and visible throwing marks.
Everyday Series
Linen Mug
Wheel-thrown stoneware mug with a warm sand glaze and comfortable handle.
Full Range
Studio Collection
The complete Terracotta Studio range — bowls, mugs, plates, and vessels.
How We WorkFrom raw earth
From raw earth
to your table
01
Source
We work with a single clay supplier in the Willamette Valley, sourcing stoneware clay that fires to a warm buff color.
02
Throw
Each piece is centered and pulled on the wheel by hand. No molds, no casting — only the potter's hands and the turning clay.
03
Glaze
Our glazes are mixed in-studio from raw minerals. Each batch is slightly different, and the kiln does the rest.
04
Fire
We fire in a wood-burning anagama kiln over 36 hours, reaching cone 10. The flame leaves its mark on every piece.
From the StudioNotes on clay,
All PostsNotes on clay,
fire, and making
CollectionJan 2026
Introducing the Autumn Harvest Series
Warm glazes, generous forms, and the colors of the Oregon harvest season.
StudioDec 2025
A year in the studio
2,400 pieces, 12 kiln firings, and one very eventful year. A reflection.
QuestionsThings people
Things people
often ask us
Can't find what you're looking for? Write to us at [email protected]
"We believe every question deserves a thoughtful answer — just like every piece of clay deserves a thoughtful hand."
Yes — every single piece is centered and pulled on the wheel by hand in our Portland studio. We do not use molds, slip casting, or any mechanical forming process. Each item takes 20–40 minutes to throw, and we produce a limited number per day.
Our pieces are dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe up to 400°F. However, we recommend hand-washing to preserve the glaze's depth and luster over time. Avoid sudden temperature changes — don't move a piece from the freezer directly to the oven.
We accept a small number of custom commissions each season. Custom work typically involves a 10–12 week lead time and a 50% deposit. We work with you on glaze color, form, and size. Contact us directly to discuss your project.
Our glazes are mixed in-studio from raw mineral oxides — iron, cobalt, manganese, and ash. We do not use commercial glaze bases. Because we fire in a wood kiln, the flame and ash interact with the glaze unpredictably, creating variations that cannot be replicated. No two pieces are identical.
We ship to the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and Japan. All pieces are individually wrapped in recycled paper and packed in custom boxes. International shipping typically takes 7–14 business days. We cover the cost of any damage during transit.
Our studio is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. We offer studio tours on the first Saturday of each month at 11am — no reservation required. You can also watch us throw on most weekday mornings.