Ceremonial Series
Ceremonial Pottery, Communion Ware & Sacred Vessels
A vessel is more than something that holds—it is something that carries. Throughout human history, vessels have held what was essential to life: water, grain, wine, and precious seeds—the promise of another season, another harvest, another generation. They have also carried our deepest expressions of faith, remembrance, celebration, and community.
What began as a single commission request has grown into a meaningful part of the Studio Series at Bending Pines Pottery. I am honored to create handcrafted ceremonial pottery, communion ware, chalices, bowls, and sacred vessels for churches, retreat centers, spiritual communities, and individuals seeking pieces that reflect both reverence and artistry.
Many of these works draw from the Christian tradition, including chalices and patens used in the celebration of Holy Communion. At the same time, the practice of creating sacred vessels spans countless cultures and faith traditions. For generations, potters have fashioned bowls, cups, chalices, and serving vessels for ritual, offering, remembrance, hospitality, and gathering—objects that become more than functional forms by carrying meaning, memory, and shared experience.
Every vessel is created with the understanding that it does not create what it holds; it honors it. Whether crafted for communion, a wedding, a celebration of life, a personal ritual, or another meaningful occasion, each piece is thoughtfully made to serve its purpose with beauty, functionality, and respect for the traditions that inspire it.
The pieces shown here represent a selection of past and current work. While many are available for purchase, I also welcome commission inquiries from organizations and individuals seeking vessels tailored to their particular traditions, ceremonies, and aesthetic preferences.
Bisque fired.
The Ceremonial Series
Radiant and welcoming, this handcrafted ceremonial vessel set is finished in a warm golden yellow glaze that brings light and joy to meaningful gatherings. Whether used for a wedding ceremony, a celebration of life, or a personal ritual, the set offers a beautiful way to mark moments of connection and remembrance. Individually thrown and glazed by hand, each vessel carries its own distinctive character, making every set truly one of a kind.
Looking for a different size, shape, or glaze? Commission a ceremonial vessel set and discuss your vision directly with the artist. Choose the form and glaze that best reflects your ceremony or personal style.
Rich earth tones and subtle speckling give this handcrafted ceremonial vessel set a grounded, natural presence. The deep sienna glaze reflects the warmth of the landscape and complements both contemporary and rustic settings. Created for ceremonies that celebrate love, remembrance, gratitude, or life's transitions, each vessel is thoughtfully made by hand. Slight variations in color, texture, and form are part of the beauty of authentic handmade pottery.
Looking for a different shape, or glaze? Commission a ceremonial vessel set and discuss your vision directly with the artist. Choose the form and glaze that best reflects your ceremony or personal style.
This handcrafted stoneware chalice features the same expressive hibiscus glaze in a distinct form, with a unique stem profile and silhouette that sets it apart. Warm, inviting, and thoughtfully crafted, it is equally at home in ceremonial settings, shared celebrations, or quiet moments of reflection. Handmade in Minnesota, each firing creates subtle variations that make every piece unique.
Looking for a different shape or glaze? Commission a handcrafted chalice and discuss your vision directly with the artist. Choose the form and glaze that best reflects your ceremony or personal style.
Simple, timeless, and quietly elegant, this handcrafted ceremonial vessel set is designed to honor life's meaningful moments. The soft white glaze reflects light with a gentle warmth, allowing flowers, candles, keepsakes, or other ceremonial elements to take center stage. Whether used in a wedding, memorial, celebration of life, or personal ritual, each piece invites reflection and connection. Handmade in Minnesota, every set is one of a kind, with subtle variations that celebrate the beauty of the potter's hand.
Looking for a different shape or glaze? Commission a ceremonial vessel set and discuss your vision directly with the artist. Choose the form and glaze that best reflects your ceremony or personal style.
Rich with flowing tones of hibiscus glaze, this handcrafted stoneware chalice celebrates the beauty of the firing process. Its elegant stem and gently rounded bowl create a comfortable balance in the hand, making it equally suited for ceremonial occasions or everyday enjoyment. Subtle variations in glaze and form ensure this chalice is truly one of a kind.
Looking for a different shape or glaze? Commission a handcrafted chalice and discuss your vision directly with the artist. Choose the form and glaze that best reflects your ceremony or personal style.
Inspired by the calming presence of water and sky, this handcrafted ceremonial vessel set features a richly textured turquoise glaze with depth and movement. Designed for weddings, remembrance ceremonies, seasonal gatherings, or personal rituals, the set creates a meaningful focal point for moments of reflection and celebration. Each vessel is individually thrown and finished by hand, making every set unique in both form and surface.
Looking for a different size, shape, or glaze? Commission a ceremonial vessel set and discuss your vision directly with the artist. Choose the form and glaze that best reflects your ceremony or personal style.
Graceful in form and timeless in design, this handcrafted stoneware chalice is finished in a soft white glaze that complements both contemporary and traditional settings. Whether used in ceremony, celebration, quiet reflection, or simply enjoyed as a distinctive drinking vessel, its balanced proportions invite both beauty and purpose. Individually thrown and glazed by hand in Minnesota, each chalice is one of a kind.
Looking for a different shape or glaze? Commission a handcrafted chalice and discuss your vision directly with the artist. Choose the form and glaze that best reflects your ceremony or personal style.