I was introduced to the world of clay in 1992 and was immediately drawn to it.  I  spent the majority of my free time developing my skills in community clay studios while  my primary career was as an educator and administrator in New York City’s public schools.  I instructed – and later oversaw the instruction of – middle school and high school students in all areas from History to Art to Life Skills.  I sought to bring my love of art, and of ceramics in particular, to my students.

In 2004, my passion for clay inspired me to make a career and life change.  And so, potteryali was born.  Less than a year later, my husband and I made the move to North Carolina, in search of quieter surroundings and a place where I could open and operate my own clay studio.

Since our arrival so many factors have influenced my work. We now have two small children whose energy and needs I balance each day in harmony with my own creativity and production.  In 2009 my family and I spent close to a year living in the South Pacific while my husband worked on his dissertation.  Eager to capture the ports and harbors we called home, I photographed them and learned how to transfer these prints onto clay. The process as well as the photos themselves are a direct reflection of our experiences abroad.

My artwork  is constantly evolving, changing and growing with me. It is a beautiful thing to harness my experiences and funnel them into my work and watch it all grow.

Articles:

Textured Tiles that Tell a Story; Published in: Architects and Artisans; February 14, 2011

Travels with potteryali and family: Foreigners in a New Land; Published in: SWEA Bladet (Swedish magazine); May 2010

Passion for pottery pays off: Vases created by North Raleigh potter Ali Sobel-Read are going into a home featured on Sunday’s episode of ABC’s ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.’Jan 21, 2006; Published in: The News and Observer

Kevin och Pottery Ali; Published in: SWEA Bladet (Swedish Magazine)