Local Maker: Chrislyn Clay

One of the ways that we believe we are designed to live intentionally in our life is by supporting locals in our community. As small biz owners we know the support is vital and appreciated in a different way, and we can’t help but support talented thoughtful, wonderful people that we meet. Mary Chrislyn Durham is the founder and artist at the helm of Chrislyn Clay. She is a rad lady boss running her own local business and is also partnering with us over at our KIN Coffee to make beautiful, unique + useable pieces for your home.

We met at our church about 1.5 years ago and immediately knew we wanted to partner together to design locally made + beautiful products. Mary Chrislyn’s heart and attitude are greatly reflected in her work and we have slowly been buying up her pieces to replace our dishes and other pieces in our home. We love having her gorgeous hand crafted pieces to serve food to our family and friends. She’s the real deal and we know you’re going to love her pieces too!

Here is a letter from the artist:

Creating with my hands is something I have always felt natural doing; it was in college where my affinity for clay became my medium of focus as my major. Entering the world of ceramics felt like opening the door to the way I wanted to feel and interact with the world around me. After careful planning and and eagerness to do something new, I realized I was ready to launch a full-time ceramics business. 

Functional and beautiful pottery is the foundation and axis of Chrislyn Clay. At Chrislyn Clay, we focus on what we call "table arts", which is essentially tableware that is well-made and so nice to look at and hold—which unites the significance of art with the realities of a steady pace in the kitchen. Many of us eat three meals a day with a faithful coffee in the mornings, and host a dinner on the occasion. Whether you are feeding a family of five, love planning dinner parties every week, or enjoy your solo cup of joe or soup in solitude, I want to elevate your daily experience of cooking, eating, and sharing meals on wares that add quality to your life. It is in these seemingly ordinary—but special—encounters that we experience life, and life deserves beauty and intention. — Mary Chrislyn

Go check her out at Chrislyn Clay, and/or lookup some other great local makers in your city!

Tabi + Mike