Finding Tea
I discovered gong fu cha in the spring of 2020, just as it was becoming apparent that COVID was going to keep us all home for much longer than we'd hoped. Tea gave me something to latch onto, a deep rabbit hole to dive down. I was fascinated by all the different styles, aromas, and flavors that this single plant can produce.
Soon I began to chronicle my tea drinking experiences with a virtual tea diary on Instagram. The @grateful.tead account is now one of the longest running accounts of its kind with hundreds of different teas logged.
Finding Pottery
As my fascination with tea grew, so did my appreciation of teaware. Inspired by the many talented teaware potters on Instagram, I decided to sign up for a class at a local studio. While other students were making big mugs and vases, I was hunched over the wheel making tiny cups.
Pottery turned out to be a beautiful and frustrating outlet for my creative energy. The cycle of throwing, trimming, glazing, and firing; each step an art form that could take a lifetime to master. Finding the right teacher proved difficult, and I ultimately decided to teach myself at home. Through countless cycles of trial and error I learned what works for me and what doesn't, finding my style along the way.
My Philosophy
I believe in brewing and drinking tea out of handmade vessels. Everything I make starts with a ball of clay on a wheel head and exits the kiln as something unique with its own energy. I create and refine my pieces always with the best tea drinking experience in mind. I hyperfocus on details, like how the rim of each cup will feel against your lips and how the glaze will feel in your hands. I strive to make my pieces just as beautiful turned upside down as when sitting right side up.
The tiniest of details have the capacity to elevate your session to a higher level.
I appreciate you. If you have any questions or just want to say hi, click the icon below and reach out to me on Instagram @grateful.teaware. There you can keep up with what I'm working on and get information on future drops.
Grateful,
Mike
