Bird.Studio.Fly. is a Colorado-Based pottery studio. Kelley Carmichael Casey is the owner and resident potter. She makes small batch, wheel-thrown, stoneware pottery to warm and enhance your home. 

About The Work

Every pottery piece is unique as each is thrown, turned, fired, glazed, and fired again in her studio. It is a long and transformative process - with each stage presenting options for creating a one-of-a-kind piece. While many pieces may appear to be alike, there are variations in each bit of stoneware that gives it its own character. 

Kelley gets stoneware clay from local Rocky Mountain Clay. It is high quality, versatile, sturdy clay that lends itself to both delicate and rustic treatments. Each piece is carefully formed on the potter’s wheel. After drying for 24 hours, it is trimmed and turned to bring the piece to life. After several days of drying, the bone-dry piece is fired in a bisque kiln to 1925 degrees (F). It is now ready for glazing. This process not only makes the pottery beautiful, but it ensures it will be food and beverage safe. Then the piece is given a second firing at 2232 degrees (F). Finally, after two weeks of processing, the pottery is ready to be shipped to you.

About Kelley

Growing up in Portland, Oregon, Kelley lived with and around creative people and handcrafts. From an early age she started collecting the California pottery, Bauerware, that was a staple at her grandmother’s beach house. As an adult she began collecting Sicilian pottery from Giovanni DeSimone. These collections have been a source of inspiration and comfort over decades.

Kelley’s long and varied careers influence her work. Starting her career in advertising at Wieden + Kennedy, she developed an understanding of products and consumers. A doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology helped to sharpen her understanding of human behavior and attachment. Next, Kelley became the National Executive Director of a creative, environmental, and educational nonprofit where she gained a deeper understanding of the creative process.

All of the above aspects of Kelley’s life have dovetailed into a dynamic and productive creative studio life.