Touchstone, 2026

Chris Staley

Porcelain

17 in H x 12 in D

Inspired by the rugged coastline of Maine, Touchstone reflects Chris Staley's enduring connection to the natural world. Its surface echoes the weathered rocks along the shore, each connected by the slightest points of contact. It is a quiet reminder of the interconnectedness of all people.

A longtime member of the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts community, Staley has often spoken of the profound inspiration he finds in the surrounding landscape. Describing the shoreline, he remarked, "When you go down to the rocks, it's like you're going to church... You're going to this sacred place. That sense of awe and contemplation is captured in Touchstone, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the beauty and vastness of the natural world."

Bringing this remarkable work into your home offers more than a stunning ceramic sculpture-it brings a lasting reminder of nature's quiet power and our place within it.

Artist Biography

Chris Staley (b. 1954, Boston, MA) has lived primarily in the eastern United States his entire life. He earned his BFA in 1977 at Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH, and then spent a year as a Special Student at the Kansas City Art Institute. He went on to earn his MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, NY.

Chris Staley has had a distinguished teaching career, beginning with Rhode Island School of Design, Wichita State University, and finally at Pennsylvania State University where he was Professor of Art and Professor-in-Charge of the Ceramics Area in the School of Visual Arts. He is also active in the community, serving on the boards of both the Archie Bray Foundation and the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Last year Chris joined The Clay Studio as an artist in our studios. His presence here has had a positive impact on his fellow artists and the whole organization.

Artists Statement

The essence of making pots for me is about being human. It's about fragility and strength. It's about the intimate moment when the handle of a cup touches the hand. Pots are about potential. Pots can create a world of slow time where meaning can be found. It is a notable experience to use pots that exude the soul of the maker. All of our senses are engaged in this experience.

Very few things can be touched and leave one a different person. It is this paradox of who is touching whom that gives pots their greatest potential.

As a young boy I often played outdoors and made things out of dirt and sticks. I struggled sitting behind a desk at school. I knew very early that to survive spiritually I had to keep creating with my hands. With technology spreading at a very increasing pace my need to feel the world seems essential.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio.
• Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 12:00 pm on September 27th 2026.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.