About
Biography
Alissa Goss lives and works in Nashville, TN. Her first introduction to ceramics was in a High School art class. Her professional journey with clay began at Santa Monica College in California, where she quickly discovered her love for pottery. She continued her studies in ceramics and sculpture at California College of the Arts (CCA) in the San Francisco Bay Area, earning her BFA in Ceramics in 2009. During this time, she had the privilege of working with several renowned ceramic artists - experiences that helped shape her signature style, rooted in the pursuit of excellence in craft with effortless beauty.
About Alissa Goss
I handcraft ceramic tableware and decorative pieces using wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. I’m always striving for originality in my designs, constantly pushing myself to explore new ideas and create unique pieces that reflect my evolving craft. I love working with smooth clays and satin glazes in neutral tones, and I often incorporate leather and brass accents into my final designs. The result is a collection of functional, timeless objects made for daily life.
Making and collecting handmade mugs is something I genuinely enjoy. As a coffee enthusiast, I find that the simple ritual of making a morning cup can transform an ordinary moment into something more meaningful. It’s fascinating how the mug you choose can reflect your mood, maybe I’m feeling tired and reach for an extra-large mug for that extra boost, or perhaps on a leisurely morning, I pick a smaller mug, perfect for refills. These little choices help set the tone for the day and offer a small, intentional moment to check in with myself.
Sustainability is at the heart of my practice. Every piece I create is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and dishwasher safe. My work has been featured at artisan shows like Artville and Porter Flea, where I’ve had the joy of connecting with fellow makers and art enthusiasts..
behind the scenes.
I’m drawn to building useful tools that make studio work smoother and more efficient. A well-considered setup allows more room for focus and creativity.
This clip shows how I use a jigger arm (a tool commonly used in production potteries to shape consistent forms). They are not readily available and come with a hefty price tag, so I built this myself to assist in making dinner plates. Tools like this will help me run production more efficiently and reduce body strain from repetitive movements at the wheel. I’m still refining this process, and so far have not put it into use - but I hope to in the near future.
Here is another method I use from time to time when making a dinner plate. I start with a slab of clay and use a custom plaster mold that attaches to the wheel. The plaster pulls moisture evenly from the clay, which helps prevent the warping that can be common in handmade plates.
Her process.
Working in ceramics is a slow and cyclical process of making, drying, firing, glazing and so on. For someone who can be short on patience (ahem…me) it’s a daily practice showing up, slowing down and chipping away at the work for the day. Each piece I make has been touched by my hands dozens of times before it becomes available to you here. And each day, I am so grateful I get to do this work.
There is an energy that is carried in handmade objects. It’s a slow process producing these collections, and they are meant to become a daily reminder to be present, take some time to quietly reflect and nourish your body and soul.
There is nothing like collecting and using something handmade. You’ll notice the slight imperfections of where the makers hand has come into contact with the material. You’ll find beauty in subtle variations in color, texture and form. This is where the magic lives.
Use & Care instructions
You may be wondering how to best care for your handmade pottery. Here are just a couple tips that you might find useful.
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Each item in my collection is carefully crafted by hand. Each are unique, and variation in color and texture does occur, which is part of the joy in owning a handmade object.
Please rest assure, the clays and glazes I use which come into contact with food are always non-toxic.
Occasionally, some of my items have an additional decorative element of 22K gold luster. In this case, items with luster are NOT dishwasher or microwave safe and should be hand-washed only.
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Most items offered in my collection are dishwasher & microwave safe (unless otherwise noted when purchased). I personally recommend hand-washing delicate or fragile items.
Items which have a 22k gold luster applied will absolutely NOT be safe in the microwave. The luster I use contains actual 22K gold and metal+microwave = sparks! These items should also be hand-washed only to preserve the luster.
You may notice from time-to-time that using flatware on your pottery may mark the surface of the glaze. Don’t be alarmed, this is usually just a superficial surface scuff, and can typically be removed by using a damp sponge and a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend (a mild abrasive cleanser).
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Should something happen to your pottery out of the ordinary and you’d like advice, you can always contact me for more help.