Hi! I’m Gio, pronounced “Joe,” like a cup of coffee. 

I fell in love with clay and atmospheric firing in college. After a few years on the west coast, I moved to Baltimore in 2014 and joined the Potter’s Guild a year later. I was immediately intimidated - I only had experience with wood, salt/soda, and gas kilns, and mid-fire electric kilns felt alien to me! Over the years, I have found that carving illustrative designs and experimenting with underglaze on mid-fire pots gives me the same rush as unbricking a fired atmospheric kiln. 

I enjoy making functional pots that can bring a touch of creativity to small moments everyday. My illustrations are influenced by old folk art, local flora and fauna, my collection of Dover books, home memorabilia, family history, and children’s books. 

When I’m not elbows-deep in clay, I’m working with youth, winning at rummy 500 against my partner, or snuggling with my pup, Minnow.