My name is Sandra, and I am a ceramicist based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. I create colorful ceramic characters that will hopefully bring a smile to your face:) My pieces range from pots and vases, to sculptures and dishes that all carry a similar cheerful character.

As my work is entirely handmade each is unique and has its own little personality. Handmade ceramics are never perfect. We believe it's an important part of their character. When you are interested in purchasing one of the pieces in the shop, please read the descriptions carefully before doing so. We hope you will enjoy our ceramics as much as we love creating them!

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I love colors and patterns. I have a weak spot for pastel shades, I like to sculpt tiny eyes, paint freckles and I challenge myself to try out new fun things all the time. From the biggest vase to the tiniest sculpture, I put love and thought in every item I create. Unloading ceramics from the kiln gives me the best feeling ever. I love seeing how all the different characters turn out after the firings!

I hope my work makes people laugh and daydream. I hope they distract from daily businesses, leave warm feelings and tickle imaginations.

I hardly create plans or designs before starting a new project. I usually decide on the shape when I am building it, finding what feels good at that moment. This is the case for every part of the process: shaping, sculpting, choosing the colors and painting the patterns. It helps me to stay open minded and try out new things, which I feel is really important in my work.

In my studio, I frequently get help from Marinda van Valkengoed, who started her journey with The Pottery Parade during her internship and now helps out with design and production of ceramic sculptures

Hi! I'm Marin and I'm currently studying illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam. I joined The Pottery Parade as an intern in February 2023.

I am a digital and analog sculptor, working towards starting on my own small creative business. I am learning tons of new things about clay, which is so much fun. I am so grateful to have Sandra as my mentor! I help out with a diverse range of things in the studio, including the production of ceramics. The thing I like most about working with clay is that it is always already something tangible; a material that is mine to shape. I never have to fear the white page ;)

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See more of Marinda's work on her website and Instagram