Lonely Clay
Functional, hand-built ceramic sculptures.
About Lonely Clay
Lonely Clay is the ceramic practice of Soleil Design Co founder Sarah Stevens, begun in 2016 at Artshack Brooklyn in New York City. Sarah worked as a technician and teacher at various studios in Brooklyn, and the practice grew from a quiet, reflective time in her life. A space to slow down, explore form, texture, light, and presence with intention.
The work is guided by curiosity, discovery, and play.
“I’m drawn to the tactile and meditative experience of clay, and through functional sculpture, explore concepts, history and play.” — S.S.
Lonely Clay exists alongside Sarah’s design work as a slower, hands-on counterpoint. It is intentional and rooted in craft, a place where experimentation, thoughtful problem solving, and poetic inquiry come together.
Through exhibitions, markets, workshops, studio visits, and select available work, Lonely Clay is presented as a parallel practice that reveals the quiet joy and thoughtful curiosity of making.
The Lonely Clay Timeline
2016 - PRESENT
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![A display window with a wooden table holding various small potted plants, decorative vases, and pottery. Behind the table are shelves with more plants and decorative items. The sign says '@artshackBrooklyn'.]()
2016
BROOKLYN, NY
Sarah begins taking beginner wheel throwing classes at Artshack Brooklyn and experiments with hand building. -
![Sarah Stevens shaping clay on a pottery wheel with hands covered in clay, with two clay balls on the table.]()
2017
BROOKLYN, NY
Sarah continues wheel throwing and also begins learning about mold making and more complex hand-building techniques, while taking on teaching roles at the studio.
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![Street view of Artshock storefront with large front windows displaying art supplies and artwork, and a colorful door in the center.]()
2018
BROOKLYN, NY
Sarah begins teaching Intro to Wheel classes at Artshack and working as a studio assistant for weekend Open Studio sessions while quietly developing Lonely Clay. -
![Sarah Stevens standing next to a pottery piece on a table in a studio.]()
2019
BROOKLYN, NY
Studio support increases, offering design assistance, event production, and new responsibilities as a studio technician. Meanwhile, Lonely Clay was becoming a known practice and Sarah welcomed studio visits, professional photoshoots (Alex Contell), and mentions on social. -
![A small white dish filled with bright yellow turmeric powder, placed on a light surface. Around it are yellow fabric cloths tied with a knot, also in shades of yellow.]()
2020 - 2021
BROOKLYN, NY
COVID prevents Sarah from studio activities and clay work is put on hold, allowing for other creative expressions like figure drawing, natural dyeing, sewing, and photography to come forefront.
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![Sarah Stevens with a ponytail and tattoos wearing a black crop top and high-waisted pants, standing at a table filled with various pottery pieces and ceramics in a workshop.]()
2022
BROOKLYN, NY
Sarah moves to another Brooklyn neighborhood and becomes the studio technician and a hand-building instructor at Centerpoint Ceramics, with various markets and commissions. -
![Sarah Stevens mixing glazes with an N95 mask on.]()
2023
BROOKLYN, NY
Now a full-time studio technician, mixing glazes, reclaiming, supporting members and receiving clay deliveries for Centerpoint Ceramics, with occasional local markets and commissions. -
![Interior of a pottery studio with shelves of pottery supplies and finished pieces, and a wall with a large artistic sign that reads 'Pottery Mill Clay Studio 2016'.]()
2024
LOWELL, MA
Sarah moves to Massachusetts and begins working out of The Pottery Mill in Lowell. She teaches several hand-building workshops for adults and children while participating in seasonal markets with KSC and local farms.
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![A white, circular lamp with four curved sections is placed on a moss-covered concrete surface outdoors, surrounded by green plants and small patches of soil.]()
2025
LOWELL, MA
Sarah practices slow creation, limited runs and more sculptural work. With a focus on the senses and conceptual work that explores nature, time and our relationship with Earth.
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![A decorative ceramic tile with abstract and geometric designs, including a yellow star or sun shape, black dots, and green square and triangle accents, in a mix of black, yellow, and green colors.]()
PRESENT
LOWELL, MA
Sarah continues to explore deep concepts through functional, sculptural creations and enjoys taking on select commissions and markets while selling work to buyers across the U.S.A.
Available Work
One-of-a-kind hand-built ceramic sculptures.
Commissioning a Piece
Submit an inquiry using the form below.
We’ll reply within a few days with a proposed timeline and quote.
Once approved & deposit received, we’ll begin creating your piece(s).
The Archives
Lonely Clay ceramic work and exhibitions from 2016 to present day.
2025
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The annual Pottery Mill Open House & Holiday Market. December 13th, 2025.
2024
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Community Clay exhibition at the Greenwald Gallery in Lowell, MA. Opening reception: August 16th, 2024.
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The annual Pottery Mill Open House & Holiday Market. December 12th, 2024.
2023
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Seasonal outdoor market at the beautiful Lilac Hedge Farm in Rutland, MA. May 11th, 2023.
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Outdoor market with local vendors, at the KSC Groton, MA location. June 16th, 2023.
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Outdoor market at the beautiful 359 farm in Littleton, MA. July 28th, 2023.
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The annual Pottery Mill Open House & Holiday Market. December 14th, 2023.
2022
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Pop-up market with Centerpoint Ceramic studio members. September 25th, 2022.
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A weekly outdoor table at the Ornithology Jazz Club in Brooklyn, NY. October 9, 16, 23 and 30th, 2022.
2019
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Studio members Mother’s Day sale at Artshack Brooklyn. May 11th, 2019.
2018
2017
