About

Welcome. My name is Luke Davidsmeier, and I am the potter behind Burnside Pottery. I’ve had a lifelong obsession with creating beautiful, functional ceramics.

 

My journey with pottery began at the age of 12, inspired by videos I discovered at my local library. This quickly turned into a passion and I turned my parents basement into my first pottery studio. Over the past 30 years, I've honed my skills through both self-teaching and formal training. I completed a pottery apprenticeship at Owl Peak Pottery in New Mexico, where I mastered the art of hand-built coil pottery using Micaceous Clay.

 

 

This unique experience, along with my formal education in Tasmania, has shaped my approach to pottery.

 At Burnside Pottery, I specialize in wood-fired ceramics using a technique called soda glazing. This involves introducing sodium into the kiln at high temperatures, creating a vapor that forms a distinctive glaze on the pottery. Living in an area rich in pottery materials, I am fortunate to incorporate locally sourced materials into my work, giving each piece a unique touch.

 

My philosophy is simple: create pottery that people will love to use in their everyday lives. I believe in making robust, long-lasting pieces with minimal decoration, allowing the natural markings from the fire to take center stage. By not following fleeting trends, I ensure that each piece remains timeless. Additionally, I am committed to sustainability, using local materials, hydroelectric and solar power, and scrap wood to fire my kiln, minimizing the environmental impact of my craft

 

Outside of the studio, I run a hobby farm where I care for a variety of animals including cows, sheep, geese, ducks, pigeons, and chickens. I also maintain a large vegetable garden, aiming to be as self-sufficient as possible. This connection to the land and nature further inspires my work in pottery.

 

Looking ahead, I aspire to work as a full-time potter and expand into teaching workshops. Sharing my knowledge and passion with others, and possibly taking on an apprentice, is a dream of mine. I believe in the importance of passing on the skills and love for pottery to future generations.