Meet Sarah
Sarah Tippin is a master ceramicist and the artist behind Joyful Clay LLC, where she has spent years crafting functional stoneware pottery that reaches homes and art collections worldwide. Specializing in wheel throwing and handbuilding, her ceramic work features narrative, illustrative surface designs on timeless, tactile forms built for everyday use.
Beyond the pottery studio, Sarah extends her commitment to collaborative visual storytelling into educational spaces, leading large-scale school mural projects that empower children to express themselves through community art. With a BA in English from UMBC and a Master of Professional Studies in the Business of Art and Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), she seamlessly bridges literature, community engagement, and fine arts, championing hands-on, choice-based creation both in the classroom and at the wheel.
Artist Statement:
My work is rooted in the belief that everyday objects can hold stories, connection, and a sense of quiet joy. Working primarily with functional stoneware, I pair wheel-thrown and handbuilt forms with narrative, illustrative surface designs. Each piece is crafted to be touched, used, and integrated into daily rituals, bringing the warmth of handmade art into the rhythm of daily life.
My background in literature and visual design deeply shapes my approach to surface and structure. Whether detailing a ceramic surface or guiding students through community mural projects, my practice centers on visual storytelling and tactile exploration. I aim to create pieces that feel timeless yet deeply personal, honoring traditional methods while celebrating the small, enduring moments that connect us all.
Artist’s Statement.
People have an intrinsic need to make things every day as a way to center themselves and connect with each other and the world. Working with clay, with the literal dirt beneath our feet, grounds us in a way no other medium can. It reminds us where we come from and where we belong.
My Story My relationship with clay began in high school, but it returned in full force when my son was small. Looking for a creative outlet, I took a pottery class for a bit of personal time, and that spark quickly evolved into a "what if?" dream. In the spring of 2014, I opened Joyful Clay.
Building the Studio We started small, converting a 6x8 backyard shed into a fully wired, compact studio with just enough room for a wheel and a kiln. Joyful Clay gave me the flexibility to build a thriving creative business while staying home with my two young children. By 2016, as pottery expanded into every corner of our home, we moved into a nearby house with a detached garage. It was the perfect dedicated studio space on what we truly consider the best block on the planet.
The Work & Growth Over the years, Joyful Clay has grown into an international brand. I’ve shared my work globally through online platforms like Etsy and Amazon, as well as locally at farmers markets, pop-up events, wholesale retail partnerships, and custom commissions.
Where I Am Today In 2021, I realized another lifelong dream by earning my Master of Professional Studies in the Business of Art and Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Today, I bring that background into my role as a full-time public school art teacher, sharing my passion for traditional mediums with the next generation.
When I’m not teaching or working in the studio, I’m constantly gathering inspiration for the next project. Thank you for being here!