Debra Nelson

Debra Nelson | Ceramics Instructor

Deb got ‘hooked’ on clay while in high school. She was fortunate enough to go to a school that had a great ceramics program, and continued her ceramic studies later when she attended Portland State University. Deb continued working in clay for about 10 years, eventually building a 24 cubic foot downdraft gas kiln. Firing it by herself for the first time was probably one of the scariest things she’s ever done, almost on par with skydiving.

As life went on, Deb eventually stopped working in clay to pursue a career in high tech eventually returning to her first love, ceramics. The saying “it’s like riding a bike” is really apropos, after 15 years away from clay it seemed like her hands just knew what to do. Now she has the good fortune of working in her studio every day and living the life as a full time potter, participating in galleries and shows throughout the northwest, and discovering a new love, that of teaching ceramics. Deb is looking forward to getting others ‘hooked’ on clay at the Sherwood Center for the Arts.