Julianna Thompson

Teaching Artist - Current

Julianna Thompson is a ceramicist dedicated to creating functional work that brings joy, color, and mindfulness into daily life. Her practice emphasizes the power of handmade objects to foster presence, reflection, and connection—values she carries into the classroom.

Her process highlights texture, form, and design. She often works with groggy clay and unglazed surfaces to encourage tactile engagement, while incorporating techniques like sgraffito and inlay on smoother clays. Her vibrant, whimsical palettes and patterns are influenced by her love for travel and the places she’s both seen and touched.

As an educator, Thompson approaches teaching as an extension of her studio practice—centered on patience, curiosity, and material exploration. She encourages students to develop a personal relationship with their work, cultivating both technical skills and an appreciation for the slow, intentional nature of ceramics.