Name The Current Top 3 American Potters

[rockm]

I think most would say Raynor, Sam Miller, and Roy Minarai. I personally like Nao Tokutake the best by quite a bit but I am lukewarm on most of the rest. I am not a serious pot collector but most American potters seem to either only make round pots, small pots, or pots with glazes that can be too much. Even Roy, I really like and think his craftmanship is spot on, and the glazes are beautiful but I can't seem to seem to envision a tree in them. Almost like they are art and not containers. I know Mach5 had a muted cream colored pot from him that I liked (very long pot). I really prefer rectangular pots in most cases and like them to be crisp with clean lines. A weird architectural design hang-up I have. I will say that Stacy Allen Muse has some amazing painted pots. Assuming he makes the pots then I will put him #2. Ron Lang did make some stellar pots.

I think much the same and I am a pot collector. From what I've seen, I much prefer Nao Tokutake's work to Roy Minarai's for functional, actual bonsai use. It was a pity having Stacy Allen Muse flameout here. Can't look at his work without having some bad memories. I've seen his work--It's great, if a bit too "busy" for actual bonsai use, at least for me.

 

[Ohmy222]

I think much the same and I am a pot collector. From what I've seen, I much prefer Nao Tokutake's work to Roy Minarai's for functional, actual bonsai use. It was a pity having Stacy Allen Muse flameout here. Can't look at his work without having some bad memories. I've seen his work--It's great, if a bit too "busy" for actual bonsai use, at least for me.

Sorry to open old wounds, i didn't even know Stacy Allen Muse has been on this site. Another thing I should have called out but it seems many new potters (not just American) like to have ornate feet which I am not a big fan of. Many do look good but I just see something very breakable and wobbly on my slatted tables.

 

[John P.]

If you don’t know about Doug, you should:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DougTrythallPottery

 

[mwar15]

I think you could break it down to wheel vs slab. I personally love Jonathan Cross’ style and clay mixtures. I am partial to more slab potters. Josh Jeram is another amazing potter with the crystal glazes

 

[dacoontz]

I’m a big fan of Sam Miller’s pots. He takes pride in his work and prices his stuff according to their outcome. IMHO no one does natural clay toned “primitive” type pots like he does. His shipping costs are better than reasonable too. Some people seem like they’re trying to make a dime off you there, but pretty sure he loses money on his shipping costs.

Doug Trythall also does really nice work. I’ve purchased a couple of his pots and they are exquisite and stout. He does not produce a lot of work, but the stuff he does is precise to the nth degree.

I would add Vicki Chamberlin to the list of potters to consider. I like her glazes as they are attractive but not overbearing. Her pots accent the tree but don’t domineer them. She does all sizes including large ovals. I’d love to have one of her pots but lately they’ve all been spoken for.

 

[August44]

Agree on Vicki Chamberlin!

Home - earthwares

earthwares.org

 

[Hartinez]

I think much the same and I am a pot collector. From what I've seen, I much prefer Nao Tokutake's work to Roy Minarai's for functional, actual bonsai use. It was a pity having Stacy Allen Muse flameout here. Can't look at his work without having some bad memories. I've seen his work--It's great, if a bit too "busy" for actual bonsai use, at least for me.

I came in on the end of his flameout. I wish I knew what happened but if I’m honest I’m glad to know that I don’t. His work is so good, and his paintings of late are phenomenal.

 

[QuantumSparky]

I'd say the top 3 potters are James, Lily, and Harry. But they're English so I'm not sure if that counts.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Y’all forgot pottery barn.

 

[August44]

I came in on the end of his flameout. I wish I knew what happened but if I’m honest I’m glad to know that I don’t. His work is so good, and his paintings of late are phenomenal.

Selling a lot of paintings on Facebook auctions lately

 

[Nickagainst1]

Shameless plug, but I've interviewed several of these peeps.

Sara was so down-to-earth.

Bonsai Potter's Spotlight - Sara Rayner

An interview with the fabulous Sara Rayner. We take a deep dive look into her process and thoughts on the American Bonsai pottery scene.

www.peacelovebonsai.com

Ron was a deep thinker and generous with his time.

Potter's Spotlight - Ron Lang - Lang Bonsai Containers

Discussing all things pottery with the great Ron Lang in this week's bonsai Potter's Spotlight.

www.peacelovebonsai.com

Eli is just a great dude!

Bonsai Potter's Spotlight - Eli Akins - Waldo Street Pottery

My Interview with the wonderful Eli Akins of Waldo Street Pottery

www.peacelovebonsai.com

And of course our very own Sorce!!

Bonsai Potter Spotlight - Michael Marchand - AKA "Sorce"

If you've spent anytime on a bonsai forum, you’ve most likely ran across the always excellent BonsaiNut. And if you’ve spent anytime on a BonsaiNut, you've most likely ran across the always memorable “Sorce”. I've been on the forum for a few years and have come to know Sorce as an eager hand to...

www.peacelovebonsai.com

I'd love to interview Roy or Sam. I once asked Nao, but he declined., maybe he'll reconsidersweet I had no idea u had a podcast. Going to consume this material immediately. Thanks for the plug and be more shameless!!!

 

[Nickagainst1]

I'd say the top 3 potters are James, Lily, and Harry. But they're English so I'm not sure if that counts.

Ok 2 things. None are american and you didn't put Harry on ur list of top 3 English Potters?

 

[amcoffeegirl]

I don’t know about ranking anyone but I do know that I absolutely love the works of Sonny Boggs.
I do enjoy his creativity and appreciate his love of art. I think we are very lucky to have the talented potters that we do have.

 

[Ruddigger]

+1 to adding @NaoTK to the list. Along with Sara Raynor.

 

[PeaceLoveBonsai]

I don’t know about ranking anyone but I do know that I absolutely love the works of Sonny Boggs.
I do enjoy his creativity and appreciate his love of art. I think we are very lucky to have the talented potters that we do have.
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I Sonny!! Great addition to the list.

 

[Jim Horton]

Nao Tokutake does great work. He has just updated his website to facilitate custom orders!

 

[PeaceLoveBonsai]

I think you could break it down to wheel vs slab.

I think the good ones can do both.

 

[Jcmmaple]

Dean bullock makes some killer pots, I will be getting a few at the winter silhouette this year.

 

[Jcmmaple]

Oh and Justine from forest inn pottery, she does an amazing job and they come very well packaged. Just got this one a while back.

 

[August44]

Nao Tokutake does great work. He has just updated his website to facilitate custom orders!

I looked at his site and to me it is not user friendly if you wanted to buy a pot. I saw a gallery of pots he has made, but nothing for sale.