Hey, I’m Bri! Ceramic artist, educator, and the founder of Sumiware Ceramics and Studio Sumi.

Clay has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in my mom’s pottery studio, The Clay Canvas, where I spent most of my childhood covered in clay, helping customers, and learning how to make things by hand. That’s where my love for clay really began. It felt natural, intuitive, and honestly just fun in a way that stuck with me.

Before starting my own business, I was an elementary school teacher, working closely with students and other teachers. That experience still shapes how I show up today. It’s a big part of why Studio Sumi isn’t just about making pottery, but about creating a space where people feel comfortable trying something new, slowing down, and not feeling intimidated.

Sumiware Ceramics came first, as a way for me to share my own work. I create pieces meant to be used every day, with a focus on color, form, and pieces that feel a little more personal and playful.

Studio Sumi came after. I opened the studio in San Francisco in 2023 to create a space where people could experience clay in a more approachable way. Through workshops, memberships, and private events, it’s become a place where people can come in, make something with their hands, and step away from the noise of everything else.

You might be wondering where “Sumi” comes from. It’s from my middle name, Sumiko, which was given to me by my Bachan (grandma). It’s a small nod to my Japanese heritage and something that’s quietly woven into both my work and the studio.