Ashlyn B
Ashlyn B is an aerospace engineer who found clay in 2026 and went straight at the hard stuff. A fountain that actually runs. A planter with pockets on every side.
She came for one night.
How did clay and pottery find you in the first place?
A work colleague invited me to join him and some friends for a “bring a friend” night, and I decided it would be a fun thing to try!
Complicated on purpose.
What do you make, and which piece would you never part with?
I enjoy making complex pieces, usually big, that make you think about how it is going to work. The more engaging it is for my brain, the better!
The one piece I’d never sell isn’t pictured, but it is a bread baking bowl I made for my sister. I am proud of how I was able to get the shape and details on it using coils, and I found the perfect glaze that I knew she would like.
What she created here at The Clay Hole.
The top shelf, the reclaim bag, and gravity.
What’s the worst pottery disaster you’ve ever had?
The worst disaster I’ve had is when I had a bag of reclaimed clay that was pretty much clay water. I went to move it on my shelf, the top shelf mind you, and it broke open and spilled all over me, the floor, and the shelves all around me. Covered in mud, I couldn’t believe what had just happened and was ready to call it a night even though I had just gotten there. Although, if that’s the worst disaster I have, then I’ll take it!
Who she is the rest of the week.
Who are you when you’re not covered in clay?
Well, I am an aerospace engineer and have moved around a bit but have mostly lived in Utah. I grew up playing sports but mainly focused on golf. Once I was in college, I discovered racquetball and joined the team, and have enjoyed competing. Other than that, I love relaxing with my family, dogs, playing games, and watching movies!
The kid in the mud.
What were you like as a kid, and what did you want to be?
I was a complete tomboy playing in the mud, doing projects with my dad, playing sports, and trying to fix things! I also loved to eat (still do lol), but it was never something quick and easy. We’re talking crab and steaks. I didn’t really think about what I wanted to be, but there was a time where I wanted to golf professionally.
Weirdly good at.
What are you weirdly good at that has nothing to do with pottery?
Nothing crazy weird that I can think of, but maybe pushups, cooking, or playing the flute :)
What most people don’t know.
What are you proudest of that has nothing to do with pottery?
Something that I’m proud of that most people don’t know is that I won Nationals playing racquetball 3 years in a row, doing doubles and singles. Discovering racquetball, learning how to play, and making some amazing friends is what got me through college. So I am proud that I tried something random, new, and stuck with it!
Where to find Ashlyn B’s work.
Is your pottery online or for sale anywhere?
They can find it through The Clay Hole, and I can give additional contact info through finding me there. I’m open to selling if people want to purchase or commission something.
Ashlyn B is a member at The Clay Hole, a community pottery studio in Draper, Utah.