welcome to b.stro ceramics
Ceramics by Ben Strohbeen handmade in Wisconsin.
Functional art - tableware, kitchenware, storage vessels, planters, and more.
Learn about my work and get in touch below!
Artist Statement
My work centers on clay as both a material and a metaphor for time, touch, and intention. I create functional and sculptural ceramics that invite a slower rhythm—objects meant to be lived with, used daily, and appreciated for their presence.
Working mix of porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware, I strive to balance form with function and I find that my surfaces often echo the landscapes of Wisconsin with earth tones and weathered textures.
My practice is influenced by Midwestern craft traditions and Japenese wabi-sabi that value utility and endurance through forms like mugs, bowls, and large vessels.
Ultimately, I aim to make work that feels honest and enduring: pieces that slow you down, draw you in, and remind you that beauty often lives in what is imperfect, tactile, and used.
Custom Pieces
I would love to create something just for you!
Please reach out to learn more - I have added some information below that may be helpful for you to think about and send over to me to help in the design process.
Generally the process will look something like below:
Design
Let's figure out I am making - I want something we're both ultimately happy with.
Purpose? Shape? Size? Sketches, description, reference pictures all welcome.
Creating
Making the piece(s) we settled on - throwing, building, rolling, playing with clay. Involves multiple days - weeks between manipulating the wet clay, letting it dry, trimming it, and continue drying. From there we need to bisque fire, glaze, then glaze fire the pieces - so it can take some time.
Getting to You
Once the pieces are created I will get them to you asap. Either via local pick-up/drop-off or shipped.
FAQs
What's your lead time? How long will it take? How early should I reach out about an order?
Ceramics can take a while from beginning to end. Please allow at least 4 weeks for creating your custom piece(s) (after our design conversation).
If you need something faster, please ask and I will let you know if it is possible.
I would like a set of pieces, like a set of dinner plates, can you do that?
Absolutely! Let me know how many you need!
I am landscaping and would like a statement piece for my yard - can you do that?
Possibly! Feel free to send me a picture of your space and idea!
Let's figure out what you'd like to see and the size it will need to be. I am potentially limited in kiln size but we can get creative in dry-fitting multiple pieces together.
I'll also want to understand how the location will be affected by moisture (especially snow and ice) since that could affect the composition of the piece.
Contact
Get in touch if you have any questions or would like to order a custom piece.
Feel free to use the form below or email me at Ben@bstroceramics.com.