Our love of quality craftsmanship has lead us into the workshops, studios, and factories of some of America’s finest artisans. Every so often, we’ll be sharing a peek into their processes and passions as we celebrate things made well—and the people that make them. For Ojai-based ceramicist Mark Churchill, the California outdoors aren’t just an inspiration, they’re the raw materials for an impressive and ever-growing body of work. Holed up in his home studio with locally-sourced clay and glaze, Churchill creates simple but elegant pots, bowls, and vessels that unite two centuries of experience in unforgiving porcelain with the raw, unvarnished beauty of the coastal shoreline. Just for Birdwell, Churchill has created a special edition of his South Swell, a handsome mug that showcases his particular mixture of craft and chance.
Buy Mark's South Swell Mug HERE.
Music in video:
“Chico River”
Written by Sam Blasucci and Clay Finch
Genuine Souvenirs (ASCAP) administered by Seed Soup Songs (ASCAP) Performed by Mapache
Licensed courtesy of Yep Roc Music Group