Wolf Ceramics: Earth Sciences to Earthenware

Sarah Wolf leans into nature as inspiration for her business, Wolf Ceramics. The native Oregonian grew up rock climbing the walls of Smith Rock and backpacking through the Pacific Northwest. Wolf completed undergrad studies in geochemistry, minoring in fine art. “I have always enjoyed making things and exploring the mountains, but I couldn’t see myself working in a geology lab.”  

Looking for answers, Wolf traveled to Asia, ran across India, worked on a farm, and moonlighted in a ceramics studio on Orcas Island. On the verge of enrolling in architecture school, Wolf was anxious. Simultaneously experiencing a break-up, a flooded apartment, and an abandoned career path, Wolf hit the road. Three weeks of rock climbing in Utah led to a snap decision to revisit pottery. Two years later, Wolf had a Post Baccalaureate Ceramics certificate and a growing business in Portland, Oregon. “The best decision I ever made was going back to school for ceramics - following my gut to pursue something that excites and energizes me.”

Wolf Ceramics offers stunning hand-thrown pottery ranging from coffee mugs to serving dishes. Pieces grace the tables of some of Portland’s hippest restaurants and boutiques. 

Sunny yellows and bright blue glazes decorate the organic pottery designs, an ode to Wolf’s love for nature and earth sciences. Sarah talks about her background in mountaineering and earthenware.

“The best decision I ever made was going back to school for ceramics - following my gut to pursue something that excites and energizes me.”

What do you love about ceramics? 

I love that the practice of making ceramics is so versatile. It can be physically challenging and messy while also delicate and detailed. It is diverse.  It keeps me moving, and there are limitless possibilities for creativity. 

What does your creative process involve? 

When I’m in town working, I walk in Forest Park almost every day. Nature energizes me! I always leave my phone at home. My brain calms down enough to let new design ideas and work solutions surface. Sometimes it’s just a time for me to realize how anxious I am about overcommitting to exciting projects. Being in the woods always helps.

My creative process is sporadic. I build time into my workday to try new and different glaze designs or a new shape on the wheel. Often, clients provide inspiration. I make ceramics for restaurants and I love it when a chef says “I really wish I had…”  It’s always an opportunity to try something new.

You have a background in ski mountaineering. Can you talk about that and what is the biggest lesson mountaineering has taught you?

In high school, I was really into rock climbing and spent a lot of time in the Cascades. Mountaineering initially intimidated me but it gave me the skills to reach more remote climbing routes. I grew up skiing and always loved being in the quiet snowy woods. In college, I discovered backcountry skiing. I was so excited to find a way of skiing not involving a crowded, expensive resort. 

Mountaineering and climbing have taught me so many things about myself and how to take on challenges in life: one tiny step at a time. Most importantly, I’ve learned to work as a team. This has led me to many meaningful friendships. I love that mountaineering requires complete trust and reliability. It is about the process, not the summit. The health, safety, and comfort of every part of the group determine group functionality and decision making. I love that mountaineering dissolves any individual accomplishment and turns a group into one synergistic organism.

Where do you fall between minimalist and maximalist?

Minimalist :) But not too extreme!

What is the hardest and the best part of being a small biz owner?

I think the hardest part is that I often take work home with me. I am constantly thinking about the business and all of the things that I haven’t had time to do yet. The best part is that my work energizes me and gives me the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people, from my own little studio team to customers, and to other business owners who are down to collaborate.