Clay and porcelain from 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

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