California Craftsman

LaPointe pottery is a small-scale operation, housed in a converted one car garage in the countryside near Lompoc CA.  Specializing in high temperature stoneware strongly inspired by early 20th century art pottery, their work ranges from beautifully functional mugs and bathware to intricate art tile and vases. Each piece is shown the same careful design, handwork and finishing traveling directly from artists’ hands to customers’ hearts. The LaPointe’s timeless blend of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Craftsman styles complement mid-century modern, craftsman bungalow, or contemporary minimalist home décor. Inspired by history and natural forms, these one of a kind ceramics provide the perfect finishing touch to any space.

From our hands
to your home

PeaCE & pROCESS

For John and Noreen ceramics is more than a business, it’s a way of life.  Balancing style and function, art and life, work and family they have crafted a body of work that is both personally and creatively fulfilling.  They strive to make art that enriches their own lives as much as it does their customer’s. When they’re not in the studio the LaPointes enjoy time spent in nature, potluck dinners with family and friends, and their annual getaway to the Live Oak Music Festival.

John LApOINTE

John sculpts the precise stuff. He takes a systematic, even scientific, approach based on traditional techniques and variations on classic forms. From a family of gear heads,  he reflects his roots in a respect for process and materials. This approach is evident in constant refinement of his wheel thrown forms to facility functionality and aesthetic excellence.  This attention to detail can also be seen in his careful adoption of slip-trailed motifs, and low-relief sculpted techniques reminiscent of the arts and crafts movement greats. He translates these processes into work that is uniquely John.  His mad scientist tendencies are also expressed in his roles as the studios glaze chemist and kiln operator. When he’s not in the studio, John enjoys exploring nature, fishing, and playing music with family and friends. Catch him and his guitar behind the booth of an evening at most craft shows.

John demonstrates wheel throwing techniques for his grandnephews.

Noreen Lapointe

Noreen removes a large scale sculpture from the kiln.

Noreen sees the big picture. Though the business was initially propelled by the character of her whimsical animal sculptures, she now plays more of a project management roll. Her outside of the box thinking facilitates innovative problem solving and logistics. From firing schedules to packing the truck, she keeps things running smoothly and keeps John on track. When she is in the studio she enjoys a more improvisational approach. Whether she’s hand building an animal sculpture or carving into a tile or vase her plan is only the beginning. She likes to see what forms naturally from the clay, embracing chance and putting her faith in the process. Outside of the studio Noreen enjoys nature walks with friends, spending time in her garden, as well as public speaking and storytelling. Noreen is an Advanced communicator gold, toastmaster, president of the Lompoc Valley of Flowers club and has competed at the district level.