A BIT ABOUT US
What began as a high school elective became a lifelong passion...
Todd Crouse was introduced to clay in high school when he signed up to take a pottery class. What seemed like a good resume addition for a coveted camp counselor position at Deer Valley YMCA Camp turned out to be so much more. While discovering his "hidden artist,"he also found a knack for creating utilitarian forms -- mugs, bowls, jars, and the like -- and a desire to express himself in objects that could be part of everyday life rather than to sit on a shelf to be admired. A college ceramics course and an occasional seminar helped him hone these skills. But, as is often the case, life intervened - a career, a wife and two kids relegated pottery to a "spare time only" endeavor. Kids now mostly grown and his career in a manageable place, Todd decided to give pottery a try again and reclaimed his skills during a two-week "immersion course" at the renowned Penland School of Crafts in the NC Mountains. The purchase of his own pottery wheel (and the blessing of a tolerant wife!) proved to be the first steps in what is now a fully equipped home pottery studio.
Todd's wife, Melinda, has also discovered an artistic flair of her own and began collaborating with him in 2018 as design consultant, glazing assistant and business manager. She also enjoys pursuing her own clay interests, creating beautiful hand-built pieces as well as working with Todd to personalize pottery for one-of-a-kind custom orders. Together, they formed Pottery For Life in 2016, providing functional pottery to be used and enjoyed in your home and everyday life!