Artist Stephen Lamson
Clay captivates me with its dual nature—deceptively simple yet infinitely complex. It invites me to explore, experiment, and push boundaries, whether through shaping forms, texturing surfaces, or experimenting with firing techniques. Over the years, I’ve worked with both stoneware and porcelain, drawn to their unique qualities and endless potential.
For more than forty years, I’ve focused on creating functional, minimalist pottery rooted in utility and the elegance of form. Some designs emerge spontaneously on the wheel, shaped in the moment. Others take root in my mind, evolving over weeks until fully realized before I ever touch the clay.
Despite decades of experience, I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of what clay can become. Each day brings new opportunities to discover, and I can’t wait to step into my studio and see where the journey takes me next.
- Stephen D. Lamson
For more than forty years, I’ve focused on creating functional, minimalist pottery rooted in utility and the elegance of form. Some designs emerge spontaneously on the wheel, shaped in the moment. Others take root in my mind, evolving over weeks until fully realized before I ever touch the clay.
Despite decades of experience, I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of what clay can become. Each day brings new opportunities to discover, and I can’t wait to step into my studio and see where the journey takes me next.
- Stephen D. Lamson
NightFire Pottery
Steve Lamson’s journey into the world of pottery began with an unexpected discovery in high school. During an art class, uninspired by the assigned project, he stumbled upon a pottery wheel tucked away in the back of the room. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for the craft.
Steve’s formal study of ceramics took him to Alfred University in New York, a renowned institution for pottery and ceramics. However, his skills truly flourished during his time at Orion Stoneware, a bustling production studio in Sacramento, California. Moving west with his best friend Paul, the two immersed themselves in the fast-paced environment, mastering the art of throwing, glazing, and firing. In exchange for labor, they amassed a collection of pots and clay, which they loaded into a truck for the journey back to Port Jefferson, New York. This venture marked the birth of Odyssey Stoneware, a collaborative studio that gained notable success.
After many years of running Odyssey Stoneware, Steve and Paul sold the business to another ceramic artist. Steve then pivoted to the family trade of custom home building, finding parallels between the creativity of crafting pottery and constructing homes. Despite this shift, his love for ceramics never waned.
Today, Steve continues to channel his artistry through NightFire Pottery, working from his home studio in Southampton, New York. Each piece he creates reflects his decades of experience, passion, and the enduring connection to a craft he fell in love with years ago.
Steve’s formal study of ceramics took him to Alfred University in New York, a renowned institution for pottery and ceramics. However, his skills truly flourished during his time at Orion Stoneware, a bustling production studio in Sacramento, California. Moving west with his best friend Paul, the two immersed themselves in the fast-paced environment, mastering the art of throwing, glazing, and firing. In exchange for labor, they amassed a collection of pots and clay, which they loaded into a truck for the journey back to Port Jefferson, New York. This venture marked the birth of Odyssey Stoneware, a collaborative studio that gained notable success.
After many years of running Odyssey Stoneware, Steve and Paul sold the business to another ceramic artist. Steve then pivoted to the family trade of custom home building, finding parallels between the creativity of crafting pottery and constructing homes. Despite this shift, his love for ceramics never waned.
Today, Steve continues to channel his artistry through NightFire Pottery, working from his home studio in Southampton, New York. Each piece he creates reflects his decades of experience, passion, and the enduring connection to a craft he fell in love with years ago.