About Spiral
Spiral Clay Collective is a private pottery studio established in 2020 by founding members Olivia Brassing’ram, Emma Umberger, and Cidney Olineacz. The studio is located South of the James River in Richmond, Virginia. As of 2023 Spiral has grown to include five ceramic artists that each explore their own creative practice with the support of the other members. The communal style of the studio helps each artist develop their own work individually while engaging with, and learning from one another. Follow Spiral on social media and join the newsletter for the latest information on what’s going on!
Meet The Artists
Emma Umberger
Emma Umberger is a ceramic artist and designer based in Richmond, Virginia. She received her BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Craft and Material Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. Emma has been working with clay since 2016 and was one of the founding members of Spiral Clay Collective when they began in 2020. Her current ceramic practice focuses on creating functional wares for everyday use in the home that spark joy. She focuses on the materiality and purpose of her pieces in order to create harmony between design and function. At Spiral Clay Collective, Emma is currently working with glaze chemistry to further customize and perfect the glazes she uses in her ceramic work.
For more information and images of Emma’s work check out her website emmaumberger.com and instagram @emmaumbergerceramics
Olivia Brassing’ram
Olivia Brassing’ram is an American artist born in Maui, Hawaii and currently resides in Richmond, Virginia. Olivia's current art practice focuss in clay and functional pottery. She very recently earned her degree in Craft and Material Studies, along with a minor in Art History, at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022.
For more information and images of Olivia’s work check out her website oliviabrassingram.com and Instagram @oliviabrassart.
Cidney Oleniacz
Cidney earned her BFA in Craft and Material Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. Her public murals can be found at the 42nd entrance tower of James River Park System in Richmond, Virginia, and at the Red Wolf Conservation Center in Columbia, North Carolina in collaboration with Artist Matt Willey “For the Good of the Hive”. Her work has been shown in museum exhibitions including: Craft Consciousness, Anderson Gallery, Richmond VA, and Purpose Practice Process, Anderson Gallery, Richmond VA. Cidney has a sincere appreciation for the outdoors and is constantly relating her art practice to nature. As a teaching artist, she leads students of all ages in making artwork through mural design and teaching with Open Space Education, a non-profit that brings art education and outdoor education together in Richmond, Virginia. Cidney is experimenting with how her work can engage with the public as she paints colorful native blooms on public structures. She is excited to see how her work will continue to educate and grow within her community.
For more information and images of Cidney’s work check out her Instagram @cidneypearis.
Ben Taylor
Ben Taylor is a ceramic artist currently based in Richmond Virginia, where he graduated from VCU in their Craft program. He focuses his art practice primarily on ceramics, as well as woodworking and furniture design. The artwork he creates is often inspired by the patterns and systems of the human-built world around us. Much of his work lies in the realm of functional pottery, however there are many series where the concept and artistic form of the work outshine the traditional "function" of the ware. He has been wheel-throwing and working with clay since 2013 and looks forward to many more years of making with mud. To Ben, the field of ceramics blurs the connections between our human and natural worlds. Creating pieces that are capable of lasting for millennia while simultaneously bringing joy to others through daily use of a functional object is a driving force behind his work. Bringing locally handmade objects into his home greatly increased his quality of life and brought meaning to every interaction with that object. That feeling is what he wishes to share with his art. Spreading slower living, conscious consumption and community building are great steps that are all helped by valuing handmade goods and appreciating the interaction with others that occurs when using a handmade object.
For more information and images of Ben’s work check out his Instagram @bdt_crafts
Miron Honer
Over the course of nearly a decade Miron has continually pursued the captivating art of ceramics, immersing his hands in the tactile wonders that clay offers. Within this medium he finds joy in playing with textures and carving pots to create a variety of textural experiences.
Miron is drawn to sharp edges, the depth of thick slip, and the elegance of clean lines. These elements bring a sense of precision and intention to his work, while also serving as a canvas for experimentation and artistic expression. One aspect that sets Miron's creative journey apart is his constant exploration and willingness to evolve. He will not settle on a singular style, to enjoy the freedom of experimentation with different forms, techniques, and concepts. This constant state of learning keeps his artistic practice alive and vibrant, allowing him to continually discover new avenues for self-expression.
Looking toward the future, Miron is excited to venture into the realm of 3D printing and its potential for transforming his pots. Specifically, Miron is intrigued by the idea of using 3D printing technology to design and fabricate unique stamps for his pots. This approach promises to open up a world of possibilities, enabling him to add intricate details and distinctive textures that were previously unattainable.
For more information and images of Miron’s work check out his Instagram @tropicaliceturtlez.
Commissions, collaborations or questions? Contact us!
Do you have an idea for a project? Looking for collaborators, a custom piece, or set of ceramic work? Let’s work together! Send us a message, email or DM and tell us about it!