Stoneware chawan by Celeste Ortelee, made in her studio on Ishigaki Island, Japan.

Clay and porcelain on Ishigaki Island, Japan

I work with clay and porcelain in my studio on Ishigaki Island in southern Japan. I make functional ceramics as well as more sculptural forms.

Selected Works

Chawan

2026
Stoneware, glaze

Untitled Vase

2026
Stoneware, glaze

Glaze test tiles from Celeste Ortelee's ceramic studio on Ishigaki Island.

Material & Place

I have long been drawn to things gathered from the earth, flowers, weathered wood, clay. I tend to follow whatever catches my attention, often without knowing where it will lead. 


Celeste Ortelee working on a ceramic sculpture in her studio on Ishigaki Island, Japan.

About

I work from my studio on Ishigaki Island in southern Japan. I make functional ceramics and, increasingly, more sculptural work in clay and porcelain.

Studio Notes from Ishigaki



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