Meet Allison Neiss | Ceramic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Neiss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, what are you inspired by?
I love creating ceramic art that feels natural and inspired by the world around me. The ocean, in particular, is a constant source of inspiration for my work. I’m drawn to the textures of coral, the intricate patterns of seashells, and the fluid movement of the waves. When shaping my ceramic flutter bowls, I aim to capture that sense of flow and motion found in the sea. The ocean’s colors also influence my glaze choices, especially shades of blue and green. My hope is that each piece I create brings a bit of that natural beauty into someone’s home, offering a sense of calm.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create ceramic artwork with an organic feel and a wavy, flowing design aesthetic. I love the challenge of crafting custom pieces that fit perfectly into someone’s home and creating sculptures that bring a little bit of the beach indoors. My work is heavily inspired by the ocean, and I aim to capture that natural beauty and tranquility in every piece. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been donating my ceramic art to help raise money for local charities. Giving back to the community through my art brings me so much joy.
Pottery has taught me a lot about patience and timing. There are times in the process when you just have to wait, whether its hand building a shape or waiting one to two weeks before firing. Pottery can be time-consuming, but seeing the final ceramic piece makes it all worth it. One of the great things about pottery is how forgiving it can be. If a piece doesn’t turn out as expected, there’s often a chance to rework or reglaze it, turning a potential setback into an opportunity for creativity. I want the world to know that my brand is all about capturing natural beauty, sharing a bit of my love for the ocean, and giving back whenever I can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so much to do in Charlotte, and I’d make sure my best friend had a blast during their visit. Things we would do include:

– Relaxing spa day at the Ballantyne Hotel.
– White Water Center for hiking or kayaking.
– Lake Norman for jet skiing, boating, and paddleboarding.
– Hike Crowders Mountain for stunning views.
– Go strawberry picking at Wise Acres Organic Farm
– Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame
– Dine at Eddie V’s
– Catch a show at the Blumenthal

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to the outstanding ladies at my local pottery studio in Charlotte, NC. The pottery community is truly amazing! Everyone is so friendly and always willing to share their knowledge. I love how each person has their own unique approach, and I’ve learned so much by taking their feedback and making it my own. I was genuinely inspired by the beautiful work they created, which encouraged me to find my own creative style.
Pottery often takes a bit of teamwork, and these incredible women were always ready to jump in and help me out, whether I needed support with glazing or sculpting a piece. Their generosity and encouragement have played a huge role in my journey as a ceramic artist.

Website: https://www.allisonneisspottery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ALLISON_NEISSPOTTERY/#