5. POTTERY WITH INTENTION: Ceramicist MaryMar Keenan on creating connection through functional art, loving what you do, and 30 years of clay

In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with MaryMar Keenan, ceramicist and founder of MMClay, in her storefront and studio in Hayes Valley, San Francisco.Their conversation explores MaryMar’s 30-year journey in ceramics—from discovering her love for clay to building one of San Francisco’s most recognized handmade tableware brands. She shares her philosophy on functional art (“a piece isn’t really finished until it’s used”), the evolution of MMClay, and why she believes handmade pottery should be special, but not precious.MaryMar also reflects on her transformative trip to Japan, the humbling lessons of working with clay, and how she continues to push her creative edges while running a small-batch production studio. You’ll hear about her innovative experiential pottery workshops, full-circle moments with Michelin-star chefs, and honest advice for aspiring potters navigating the balance of art and business.Whether you’re a potter, a creative entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves handmade craftsmanship, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a deep look into the artistry behind everyday objects.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.🏺 Where to find MaryMar Keenan:Shop the website: https://www.mmclay.com/Follow on Instagram: @mmclay_ceramics🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Follow on Instagram: @tradesshowFollow on TikTok: @tradesshowSubscribe on YouTube: @tradesshowSubscribe to Substack: https://revivethetrades.substack.com/Visit the Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/🎙️ Credits:Guest – MaryMar Keenan, Ceramicist & DesignerHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana OttoboniOriginal Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music📺 In this episode:00:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:18 Meet MaryMar Keenan: Ceramicist and Designer02:40 Discovering the Love for Clay06:05 The Philosophy of Functional Art08:58 The Evolution of MMClay14:29 Balancing Art and Business16:55 Inspirations from Japan25:55 A Full Circle Moment in Tokyo27:10 The Humbling Nature of Clay28:13 Evolution of a Pottery Business29:16 The Power of Conversation and Opportunity31:06 From Baby Plates to Restaurant Ware32:25 The Birth of MMClay34:08 Current Business Challenges and Aspirations38:50 Innovative Pottery Workshops44:01 Advice for Aspiring Potters47:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections