Handmade in Portland since 2018
Clayborne Studio is a working ceramic studio dedicated to wheel-thrown vessels for everyday life. Every piece is made by hand, fired in our kiln, and built to last.
Our story
Clayborne was founded by Elena Vasquez, a ceramicist trained in traditional throwing techniques at the Archie Bray Foundation. After years of exhibiting in galleries and teaching workshops, Elena opened the studio in 2018 to make functional ceramics accessible to everyone.
Today, the studio operates as a working space where visitors can watch pieces being thrown on the wheel. We fire both in our own kiln and collaborate with specialty kilns for raku and wood-firing effects.
Every bowl, vase, and mug is made to order. This means no inventory waste, no mass production, and every piece carries the intention and skill of the maker.
The making process
Wedging & centering
Clay is prepared and centered on the wheel.
Throwing
The piece is formed by hand as the wheel spins.
Drying
Pieces slow-dry to prevent cracking (3–7 days).
Firing
Glazed pieces are fired at cone 6 (2200°F).
Visit the studio
Clayborne operates as an open studio where you can watch Elena and visiting ceramicists at work on the wheel. It's a perfect place to see the making process firsthand and commission custom pieces.
Location
2847 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Hours
Wed–Sun, 11am–6pm
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Contact
Materials & sustainability
Clay sourcing: We source stoneware clay from local suppliers in Oregon. All clay scraps are recycled back into the studio practice.
Glazes: All our glazes are food-safe and lead-free, tested to FDA standards. We use natural earth pigments where possible and minimize toxic materials.
Firing: Our primary kiln is a gas kiln fired at cone 6. We also partner with wood-firing studios for raku and soda-firing effects, supporting other makers.
Packaging: Every piece ships in biodegradable paper and cardboard. We use zero plastic in our wrapping.
Waste: Studio trimmings and failed pieces are composted or donated to local art programs. Nothing goes to landfill.
Meet Elena
Elena studied ceramics at the Archie Bray Foundation and spent five years creating work for galleries in Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. In 2018, she opened Clayborne to make handmade ceramics more accessible—both to own and to learn.
Today she leads the studio, teaches weekend workshops, and throws every commissioned piece by hand. Her work is inspired by Japanese mingei (folk art) philosophy: beauty in utility, care in every detail.
◇ BFA Ceramics, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
◇ Artist-in-Residence, Archie Bray Foundation (2015–2017)
◇ Featured in Clay Times Magazine (2019)