We recently had the chance to connect with Chris Landers and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chris , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first ninety minutes of my day are some of the best. I step into the studio just as the sun is coming up and the place is completely quiet. With no one else around, I make myself a cup of coffee and start looking over what needs to get done. Sometimes I jot a list down on paper, other times I just run through it in my head, depending on who I’ll have helping me that day. Then I dive in and get to work. There’s something about that calm, focused start that sets the tone for the whole day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chris Landers, and I’m a ceramic artist. I make my living in many different ways, creating pots, teaching classes, renting studio space, and, making YouTube videos. That last one is new for me, but it’s growing quickly, and I’m having a lot of fun with it!
At the core of everything I do is my love for clay. I’m always looking for new ways to share that passion with as many people as possible. My home base is The Clay CoOp in Rockville, Maryland, a studio that serves as the hub for all of my work. It’s where I teach, create, and connect with a community of people who are as excited about clay as I am.
What makes my story unique is that I’ve woven together different aspects of ceramics, from functional pottery to education to digital content, into one creative life. I love that no two days look the same, and every part of what I do is tied back to that first spark of joy I found working with clay.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I was raised by an engineer and a teacher, and they probably taught me the most about work. From them, I inherited a “do it yourself” attitude, along with a love for utility, efficiency, and problem solving, which makes it no surprise that I love creating objects for daily ritual and enjoy the rhythm of efficiency and repetition in the studio.
My parents also encouraged me to start working young. I got my first job at 14, and they guided me in building a strong work ethic, saving money, and setting goals. Those lessons shaped the way I approach both my art, business, and career today, with persistence, discipline, and a sense of purpose.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. Starting a ceramic studio and making a living as a potter is incredibly hard, there are very few models to look to, both in terms of business structures and role models. I had to figure almost everything out on my own.
For years I worked practically around the clock just to survive. I went to every ceramics-related event I could find, tried to meet everyone involved in clay, submitted work to every local exhibition, and said yes to every opportunity. At one point, I was working at three different studios teaching classes while also running my own space, just to make sure I could cover my studio rent.
There were definitely times in the beginning when I couldn’t pay my rent unless I collected every dollar that was owed to me that month. Those were the moments when I questioned if I could really make this work. But pushing through them taught me resilience, persistence, and how to build something sustainable out of sheer determination.
And honestly, without my husband, who was working as a chef at the time, I wouldn’t have made it. He encouraged me, supported our household, and gave me the space I needed to build my business from the ground up.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they’d say I’m obsessed with art and design. I love the beauty of daily rituals and the objects that support them. More than anything though, I value relationships, the connections I’ve made through clay, art, and design are lifelong, and I know it truly takes a village. Ceramics is one of those things you just can’t really do alone.
And of course, a special shoutout to one of my best friends, Ryan. He’s not only my kiln guy but also a close friend, thanks for always keeping my kiln running, hell or high water.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I think most small business owners, or maybe it’s just me, spend a lot of time worrying. I’m always thinking about the next class enrollment, the next body of work, the next “fill in the blank.” If I knew I only had 10 years left, I’d stop sweating the small stuff like paying rent and making payroll. Instead, I’d focus on making beautiful things and teaching beautiful people.
Sometimes I wonder if I should have just worked for a studio instead of starting one. But honestly, I don’t think I would want it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheClayCoOp.com
- Instagram: TheClayCoOp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theclaycoop
- Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/theclaycoop
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_ClayCoOp
Image Credits
Justin Tsucalas, Ahamed Iqbal, Jonna Michelle, Renee Comet
