Scott Supraner has been a professional ceramic artist for over twenty years. He attended the State University of New York at Purchase and Yale University where he studied painting, sculpture and ceramics. In 1989 he established the Hawksbill Pottery, taking the name Hawksbill from the local mountain and creek where his first studio was located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Vicki Supraner also graduated from Purchase College with a degree in Fine Arts and studied ceramics in Urbino, Italy. After teaching for several years, she joined Scott full time at the Hawskbill Pottery. They now work together side by side at their studio in Charlottesville, VA. Their work has been exhibited in art shows around the country.

Hawksbill Pottery produces a unique collection of handcrafted stoneware. Distinguished by a broad palette of glazes, the work evokes a painterly aesthetic in its expressive use of color. Each piece is intricately detailed with original carvings, embossment, and hand painted designs. While reminiscent of the rich patterns found in antique and ethnic art, the work has a distinct contemporary edge which brings these traditions to new life.

What is special about stoneware?

Unlike earthenware, stoneware has been high fired to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit vitrifying the clay to create a strong and durable finished product. Hawksbill Pottery is ovenproof as well as dishwasher and microwave safe.
If cared for properly, your piece should last a lifetime and become an enduring family heirloom.

Is the pottery food safe?
Yes, all glazes are lead free and mixed in our studio from raw materials.

Are there special instructions for oven usage?
Yes.  Although stoneware is ovenproof, extreme and sudden temperature changes from cold to hot can cause stress on stoneware and breakage. Never put a piece in a preheated oven; instead let it warm gradually with
the oven.  Also, make sure ingredients in recipees are at room temperature, and not cold or frozen.

How are your pieces made?
Some pieces are thrown on a potter's wheel while others are hand built with slabs and extruded pieces. Embossments are made from stamps that are hand carved from clay, then fired and impressed into wet clay.

What is your glazing technique?
Our glazing technique is similar to a "batik" process. Wax is painted as a resist between layers of glaze to create colorful designs and patterns.

Do you use stencils?
We do not use stencils. Each piece is painted free hand with a brush giving spontaneous life to each piece.
We believe that this direct process infuses the object with human energy.

What is your inspiration?
Our lives: past, present and future. The world we live in, the world we imagine.