Scott Stockdale
I am an artist specializing in primitive firing techniques and the fine art of Raku. Raku, rooted in the ceremonial tea ware of Zen Buddhist Masters, is a low-firing process that has evolved through countless variations over the years. My fascination lies in exploring ancient cultures and the primitive firing methods they used to create unique colors, textures, and patterns on pottery surfaces. I find deep inspiration in the cultural significance of these processes and am drawn to their organic nature. Earth, water, and fire are the core elements of every creation, and no two pieces are ever the same. While the firing process is inherently unpredictable, my 25 years of experience have taught me how to embrace serendipity and guide it to achieve the results I envision.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Fine Art from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BFA from Appalachian State University. My work has been exhibited internationally, and I regularly conduct workshops and classes both locally and abroad, sharing the techniques and processes I have honed over decades of exploration.
For nearly a decade, I owned and curated Gallery 101 in Manteo, NC, which specialized in fine arts and pottery. I also served as an Associate Professor at The College of the Albemarle, where I directed the professional clay crafts program for many years.
Since returning to the Triangle area in 2012, I have built a studio in Zebulon, NC, where I work full-time as an artist and continue to teach and inspire others through workshops on a wide range of ceramic techniques.