Biography
Sam Lopez is a potter living and teaching in San Diego, California. Born and raised smack in the middle of Southern California in the small dairy farm town of Mira Loma, Sam grew up working between his dad’s leather workshop and his grandfather’s wood workshop. Working in these spaces established a love for making objects by hand; and making objects of utility continues to be Sam’s primary approach when entering his studio. Sam has recently graduated from San Diego State University with an MFA and is transitioning into adjunct teaching at local community colleges as well as outfitting a home studio.

Statement
I have steadily worked to put myself and my process into a continued state of exploration where color, form, function, and tactility all work together in making consciously crafted utilitarian objects. My primary interest is making pots that work well while, at the same time, accomplish some sort of aesthetic experience for the user. Each object, ultimately, is influenced by the one that comes before it and is part of a continuously developing body of work. At the end of the day, making and designing objects that will potentially withstand daily use is what makes me happiest, and I will try to do it as long as my body will let me.”

Build or BUST