Ceramicist Carves into Pottery to Reveal Unexpected Layers of Color Underneath

Artist Sean Forest Roberts brings an experimental attitude to his ceramic practice. Working under the name Forest Ceramic Company, the Washington-based creative uses his background in chemistry and four years in science labs to explore new ways to develop surface patterns and porcelain forms. His current work features marbling designs and carved ceramics—a practice that has gained him attention around the world.

Roberts regularly shares peeks into his production process. Through an ongoing series of mesmerizing videos, he offers a visually satisfying look at his carved ceramics in progress. Using metal tools in various shapes, he drags them over the surface of the gray vessels and reveals layers of unexpected color below. Roberts varies the shapes he carves; some are long, sinuous lines while others are reminiscent of polka dots. “I am deeply fascinated by the underlying randomness in the patterns and structures of nature,” he says, “and I attempt to replicate some of those effects in my work.”

To see more of Roberts ceramic carving in action, follow him on Instagram. If you’d like to own his unique pieces, many are available in his online shop.

Artist Sean Forest Roberts creates carved ceramics that reveal striking color combinations and patterns just below their surface.

Through Instagram, he shares process videos. Watching him carve these pieces are mesmerizing.

Forest Ceramic Company: Website | Instagram | Facebook
h/t: [Cross Connect]

Related Articles:

Mesmerizing “Galaxy” Ceramics Sparkle With Stars Painted in Real Gold

The Revival of the Arts and Crafts Movement and the Artisans Behind It

Textured Ceramic Vases Mimic the Movement of Ocean Waves

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content