Some artists carry generations of quiet skill in their hands. When I first encountered Brianne Becker’s work, what struck me wasn’t just the beauty of her pottery, but the care woven into every piece. Care shaped by family, tradition, and the slow patience of making things by hand.
From her studio in a lovingly remodeled 1920s dairy barn, Brianne creates pieces that are both functional and deeply personal: works of art meant to bring joy to everyday life and connection to every table.
This interview was conducted in September 2025. All answers are shared exactly as written by the artist.
In her own words…
Can you share a little bit about your background and how you first became interested in pottery?
As a second-generation potter, I grew up immersed in the world of clay, thanks to my dad’s well-known work at Bryan Becker Clay Werks. To be honest, pottery wasn’t on my radar as a kid—I was far more interested in anything else. My journey began during college summers when, like most students, I needed a job. I started at my dad’s studio with basic tasks: mowing the lawn, cleaning the showroom, and handling whatever odd jobs he needed done. Over time, I got more involved, helping with shipping and glazing. Eventually, I decided to try my hand at making pottery. I created a few small pieces and placed them in the showroom, where they surprisingly found buyers. The real turning point came when my dad was offered a chance to feature a bowl in a catalog. He was too busy to take it on, so he passed the opportunity to me, thinking it’d be a small, one-time thing. Well, that “small” order has kept me busy for over ten years! That experience sparked my passion, and four years ago, I launched my Etsy shop. Just over a year ago, I joined IndieMe, which has been an exciting step in getting my work into brick-and-mortar stores across the US. I’m thrilled to continue growing my craft and sharing my pottery with an even wider audience.
Your bowls are beautifully inscribed with heartfelt words. What inspires the messages and designs you choose?
Well the “Love is patient” is a rendition from the Corinthians Bible verse, a timeless reminder of compassion and connection that resonates deeply with a lot of people. For other messages, I often turn to greeting cards or browse quotes on Pinterest, finding phrases that spark joy or meaning. I like to put my own spin on them, tweaking words to make them feel just right for my pottery.
You mention that your studio is in a remodeled 1920s dairy barn—such a unique setting! How does your workspace inspire your creative process?
Working in a remodeled 1920s dairy barn is certainly a unique experience, and while I wouldn’t say it directly sparks my creativity, it creates the perfect environment for me to dive into my work. The studio retains its original, no-frills cement floors, which means I can get as messy as I want with clay, glazes, and tools without stressing about ruining a pristine space. This raw, unpolished setting gives me the freedom to fully immerse myself in the pottery process— whether I’m throwing on the wheel or inscribing heartfelt words. The barn’s rustic charm and open space let me focus on the work itself, making it a practical and grounding backdrop for creating pieces that feel authentic and meaningful.
What is your favorite part of the process, from throwing the clay to finishing the inscriptions?
I think my favorite part of the process would have to be throwing. I read once that throwing at the wheel is a form of meditation, and I completely agree. There are times I will start throwing a bowl and it’s like I’ve completely zoned out and come to realize that the bowl is made. It also allows me the ability to listen to podcasts, audiobooks and even watch movies! Though I tend to just rewatch favorite movies — because I obviously can’t be focused on the movie 100%—I don’t want to miss important details of a new movie, ha-ha!
As a wife, mom, and second-generation potter, how do you balance family life with running a creative business?
I love this question! Balancing family life with running a creative business is something I cherish deeply, and being a mom always comes first. My daughter is my top priority, and this pottery business has been an incredible blessing in allowing me to center my life around her. The flexibility of being self-employed is unmatched—whether it’s staying home for sick days, taking a spontaneous long weekend, or just being present for the little moments, I feel like I truly get the best of both worlds as a full-time mom and business owner. What makes it even more special is that my husband is part of the journey! He handles all the shipping and has even taken on glazing and scraping (removing the glaze from the rim where the words are). Having him by my side in the studio makes this work feel like a true family effort. I feel incredibly grateful to have built a life where I can pursue my passion for pottery while keeping my family at the heart of it all.
Do you have a personal favorite bowl or collection that you’ve created, and why is it meaningful to you?
I don’t really have a favorite bowl or collection of my own, but my daughter has made two little bowls with my help, and those will forever be a treasure to me.
What do you hope people feel when they bring one of your bowls into their home or gift it to someone special?
When someone brings one of my bowls into their home or gifts it to someone special, I hope they feel a sense of joy and connection. Each bowl is crafted to be unique, and I pour time and care into every single one, ensuring it feels personal and meaningful. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear stories from my Etsy customers about how much they or their loved ones cherish these pieces. I feel honored to play a small role in their lives, whether it’s through a thoughtful gift or a bowl that becomes part of their daily routine. If even the tiniest detail isn’t quite right, I’ll redo it until I’m satisfied—because it matters to me that every piece brings a little happiness to whoever receives it.
Looking ahead, is there a new design, collection, or dream project you’d love to explore in the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore creating more one-of-a-kind pieces to stretch my creative muscles. I’d love to dive into designing dinnerware sets or experimenting with new forms to see what I’m capable of bringing to life. Right now, my workload strikes a perfect balance with my family life, giving me the flexibility to prioritize my daughter’s younger years. As she grows more independent, I’m eager to take on bigger projects and push my craft further. I’m also always on the hunt for fresh, meaningful quotes to incorporate into my line— Pinterest and customer suggestions are my go-to sources for inspiration, and I’m open to new ideas that resonate. The future feels full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes my pottery.
Where can people follow along with your journey and see more of your work?
People can follow along on my instagram @briannebeckerdesigns22 — though I was currently off for the summer, now that school has started back up I have more time to bring that back! They can also find more of my work on my Etsy shop, Brianne Becker Designs.
Photos courtesy of Brianne Becker Designs. Shared with permission.
