Introduction

Ceramic Soundscapes is a project that seeks to deepen the connection between user, object, and origin through the innovative fusion of traditional ceramics and simple, accessible technology. Each piece of pottery—be it a coffee mug, a soup bowl, or a decorative vase—is individually hand-thrown on a potter's wheel in our Seattle studio, glazed with unique, reactive glazes, and fired to stoneware perfection. What sets these pieces apart is a small, durable NFC (Near Field Communication) chip sealed within the clay base, invisible to the user but waiting to be discovered.

The process begins not in the studio, but outside it. We take high-quality field recordings of the sonic environment that inspires each batch of work: the sound of rain dripping off the studio roof, the chatter from a nearby farmer's market, the rhythmic crashing of waves on a Puget Sound beach, or the quiet hum of the studio itself. These audio clips are edited into beautiful, minute-long soundscapes and hosted on a private server. Each NFC chip is then programmed to link directly to one of these unique audio files.

The experience for the owner is magical and personal. Each morning, as they hold their warm mug of coffee, they can simply tap the bottom of the mug with their smartphone. Instantly, the sounds of the Pacific Northwest—the place where their mug was born—fill the room, creating a moment of mindfulness and connection to the craft and the environment. It transforms a daily routine into a sensory experience, grounding the user in the origins of the object they hold. This project celebrates the idea that functional art can engage more than just the sense of touch and sight; it can also tell a story through sound.

This campaign will help us scale this labor-intensive process. Funding will go towards a dedicated NFC programmer, a larger kiln to fire more pieces at once, and the web hosting required to store the audio files in perpetuity. By supporting Ceramic Soundscapes, you are championing a new form of storytelling through craft.

The Problem

In a world of mass-produced goods, the story behind handmade objects is often lost. We consume without understanding the time, place, and process of creation.

Our Mission

Our mission is to use technology not to replace tradition, but to enhance it, embedding the narrative of creation directly into the object to foster a deeper appreciation for handmade goods.

How Your Contribution Will Be Used

Funds will be allocated to purchasing NFC chips in bulk, investing in sound recording equipment, securing permanent cloud storage for audio files, and expanding our ceramic studio capacity.

Stretch Goals

If we exceed our goal, we will collaborate with local musicians to create original compositions for special editions and develop a app to visualize the soundscapes.

Why This Matters

This project strengthens the bond between maker and user, promotes mindfulness, and supports the sustainable, local production of goods with a story.

Rewards for Donors

• $10 – Access to our digital library of PNW soundscapes.
• $20 – A set of 5 postcards featuring photos of the pottery and QR codes to the sounds.
• $30 – A small hand-thrown ceramic incense holder with audio.
• $50 – A full-sized audio-enabled coffee mug.
• $100 – A matching set of two mugs and a soundscape bowl.
• $250 – A large, commissioned vase with a custom-recorded soundscape of your choice.

Support Us

Help us merge craft with connection. Support Ceramic Soundscapes and bring the sounds of the studio into your home every day.