CHINOOK POTTERY

Along the Eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the Chinook winds are a welcome and well-known friend of locals. These warm winds can melt snow, thaw the frozen ground, and warm the hearts of folks who have been locked inside the grasp of a long winter. “Chinook Pottery” represents the winds of change throughout our lives and the next generation of growth in our family. We invite you to peruse our offerings and hope you will find the warmth, beauty, and connection to nature that we invest in everything we create.

Brandy Hodgson and Arthur Judson are the dynamic duo / co-founders of Chinook Pottery.

We are partners in life and business, possess multiple talents in many trades, and are passionate about designing our adventurous lives - On-Purpose!

We are inspired to nurture and follow our curiosity, challenge norms, work hard and play well, and live regeneratively and in service to our world.

In addition to Chinook Pottery, we are also co-founders and business partners at Sol Built & VentureForth.

Our joy is in making beautiful, functional pots for everyday use that people our compelled to use and enjoy. As pottery is inherently connected to nature, we hope that our forms and materials remind the users of our connection to the planet and to one another.

Use of local materials for glazes (ash, sand, granite, clay, limestone) grounds us in the foothills of northern Colorado where both Arthur and Brandy were born, raised, and work today.

The bulk of our clay comes from a Denver brick plant. Wood, the primary fuel for both of the kilns, makes its mark on the pots as it flows through during the firings.

Chance or “accidental nature” is inherent in this type of firing, adding an exciting and un-planned aspect as we create our pottery.

Lead Potter, CFO & Co-Owner of Chinook Pottery, Sol Built, and VentureForth

I believe that using handmade objects connect us more fully to our humanity.

Whether gardening, fermenting, making pottery, or building a home, I find myself gravitating to the craft of lasting objects.

Arthur Judson

Northern Colorado Native, Arthur learned about the art of pottery at a very young age. He played in diapers in his parents’ studio and by the time he was a teen he was hooked.

In 1997 Arthur and his dad co-founded a pottery studio in Livermore, CO where they made wood fired and salt glazed stoneware through 2003. The pots were stamped with the name “Stonewall”.

Arthur’s career at the pottery was temporarily put on the shelf while he focused on carpentry, raising 3 kids, and building his home. The passion for creating pots stayed very much alive through his hiatus and Arthur returned to the studio with new vigor.

“Chinook”, the stamp found on the new generation of pots, is the co-creation of Arthur and Brandy. It is both a representation of the inter-twining of their unique histories and the legacy they hope to leave for their children.

My passion is making wood-fired pottery that is attractive and accessible for everyday use.

I love to have pottery in my life as part of my daily routine - having my first cup of coffee out of just the right hand-made mug is what grounds me for the day. In addition to functional pieces for daily use, it is also really exciting to make larger pots.

They are a great canvas for dramatic glaze and firing effects, can be beautiful sculptural/ artistic pieces in a house, and our larger pieces are often central to our big celebrations.

Wood is the primary fuel for the firings - the work is heated to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit over several days of carefully stoking the fire.

The raw clay and glazes are enhanced by both the paths that the flames take as they move through the kiln and the melted layers of ash deposited.

These types of beautiful serendipitous effects often take my breath away and give me the adrenaline and focus to keep pushing my art and skill forward.

Brandy Hodgson, also a Colorado native, grew up very connected to her family, her home state (including her grandparents’ farm, the mountains, rivers, and nature in general), friends and community, and her artistic endeavors.

She loves working with Arthur in the studio to both create her own pieces and joint endeavors. She loves dabbling, learning, experimenting and exploring.

Pottery Princess, CPO & Co-Owner
Chinook Pottery, Sol Built, and VentureForth

Brandy Hodgson

In addition to her support of Arthur and the pottery, she is an experienced team and leadership development facilitator, adventure guide, educator, and executive / personal leadership coach. Her most significant creation is the still-in-progress coaching, supporting, and nurturing of their three beautiful children.