CD Ceramics

Hello, I'm Cathy.

A Dutch potter living in Berlin since 2016. I'm the human behind every cup, bowl and plate that leaves the studio. Here's a little about how my ceramic journey began, what defines me as an artist, and where you can find me next.

Cathy Daniels arranging unglazed ceramic tableware on boards in her Berlin studio.

How I got my hands dirty and found my passion for clay.

My love for pottery began in 2024. I was looking for a new creative outlet after stepping away from DJing, and ceramics had always fascinated me. That curiosity led me to sign up for a beginners' wheel-throwing class at a local community studio.

That April, I sat at a wheel for the very first time. I was one of the few in the class who couldn't get a single piece to hold. Every attempt collapsed. But it didn't matter. That moment sparked something in me, and I've been hooked ever since.

Since then, I never stopped. I kept going to the studio consistently, throwing myself into the process (yes, that's a pun!), always curious and eager to learn more. Making mistakes along the way was an opportunity to observe and improve my skills. When I wasn't in the studio, I spent my time watching tutorial videos, soaking up all the information like a sponge. I learned about pulling techniques, different clay types, and glaze chemistry. It's been (and still is) an incredible journey of personal and creative growth.

With an always busy and restless mind, working with clay became an increasingly important part of my life. It's not just a passion and a creative outlet for me; it's a way to slow down and be present. In early 2026, I decided to leave my corporate job behind and pursue my dream of becoming a full-time potter. Currently, I work from a community studio, but I hope to open my own studio one day.

What guides the work

My work centers on functional ware, rooted in traditional, wheel-thrown pottery techniques. I see myself as a small batch production potter; I find comfort in throwing the same shapes and having a steady production routine. Sometimes I make one-of-a-kind pieces too, to keep experimentation integrated into my working style. Although clay invites me to create organic shapes, I also like to bring in straight and sharp edges. I draw a lot of inspiration from nature and translate that into the types of clay and color palettes I use.

I feel that my creativity really shines in my glazing. I love experimenting with glazes, spending hours mixing and testing colors and textures to create surfaces that tell their own story.

With my pieces, I hope to bring a little more richness to your daily rituals at home: that slow morning coffee, an afternoon tea, a dinner shared with friends. I believe the objects we use every day deserve to be beautiful, not just functional, and that a handmade piece can turn an ordinary moment into something more special.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work. I hope one of my pieces finds its way into your home, and into your own daily rituals.

Cathy Daniels selecting pottery tools from a shelf in her Berlin studio.