Definition:

Studio pottery refers to pots and ceramic pieces that are produced by an individual potter. Studio pottery is generally seen as consisting of one-of-a-kind (aka one-off) pieces, as opposed to production pottery in which a potter creates a large number of a specific form. (This distinction is not always made, however.)

In addition, studio potters may use various techniques and equipment, but their work is inherently created through the potter's direct action on the clay.

Studio pottery is never industrially produced, although some studio potters may do design work for industry.

Studio ceramics is very closely allied with studio pottery. To many people, the terms are used interchangeably. For others, "studio pottery" refers only to functional ware, while "studio ceramics" includes functional and non-functional work, as long as it is made from clay and fired.

In the same vein, you may also run across studio woodworkers, studio printmakers, studio weavers, studio glassblowers, and so on. In all cases, the adjective "studio" denotes that the craft pieces are produced within a studio setting --- direct interaction of a craftsman on their media in order to produce the piece.

Also Known As: studio ceramics, art pottery

Examples:

The breadth of styles and techniques used in studio pottery is mind boggling.

Most studio potters work in solitary concentration in their studios.