John Britt

John Britt is a studio potter, teacher, author, and lifelong student of clay based in the mountains of Bakersville, North Carolina. Although he grew up in Dayton, Ohio, he has spent much of his career in western North Carolina, where he has become one of the most respected and beloved voices in contemporary ceramics.

A philosophy major by training and largely self-taught as a potter, John has spent more than four decades exploring the endless possibilities of clay. His curiosity, willingness to experiment, and passion for sharing knowledge have shaped a career that has influenced thousands of ceramic artists around the world. He has taught extensively throughout the United States and internationally at universities, colleges, craft schools, and ceramic centers, including the renowned Penland School of Craft, where he served as Clay Coordinator and later Studio Manager.

John is the author of several influential books, including The Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes and The Complete Guide to Mid-Range Glazes, both considered essential references for ceramic artists. He has also authored eBooks, instructional videos, and hundreds of articles for publications including Ceramics Monthly, Studio Potter, Ceramic Review, Clay Times, Ceramic Technical, New Ceramics, and The Log Book. Through his writing and teaching, he has helped make glaze chemistry and ceramic materials more accessible to artists at every stage of their journey.

Yet for all of his accomplishments, John is perhaps best known for something less tangible: the way he connects with people. He is widely admired for being approachable, generous, funny, and deeply encouraging. Whether teaching a workshop, answering a glaze question, or sharing stories around a kiln late into the evening, he has a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. His humor, warmth, and gift for storytelling have earned him not only the respect of the ceramic community, but the genuine affection of those fortunate enough to learn from him.