As a potter of 25 years, my style in clay is inspired by many influences. My grandfather, Master Potter Ben Owen Sr., and father, Ben Wade Owen Jr., taught me the importance of clay and how to focus on good form and design. And, from the creation of my first pot at age eight, they continually reminded me to “keep it simple”. For several generations, we have used local stoneware and earthenware to produce functional and decorative pieces inspired by early American and Oriental pottery. These pots are finished in wood and gas kilns.  For many pots, I use a four-chambered kiln with a firing process of up to four days, achieving a wide range of glaze colors and surfaces. Recently, porcelain clays and inspirations from nature have been a focus in my style. After studying in China, Japan, Australia, and Europe, I have created a unique identity further refining distinct colors and designs. I continually seek to honor my family’s traditional foundation, while pursuing my own identity.