Emilee Martin
Small Batch Ceramicist
Nashville, USA
Woman-Owned Business
Handmade
Emilee Martin founded Mineral Haus from a place of stillness. A space where hand and mind meet, and making becomes a form of meditation. What began as a personal practice has grown into a small-batch ceramics brand that honors slowness, sustainability, and the tactile magic of clay. Through grounded aesthetics and thoughtful forms, Emilee creates vessels that invite presence.
Offerings:
– Small-Batch Ceramics
– Functional & Sculptural Pieces
– Handmade Lifestyle Goods
Why does clay resonate with you as a medium?
Clay offers a unique versatility and potential for expression. With clay, I am able to create pieces that are both functional and sculptural, that can be smooth and refined or rough and textured. There is a sense of alchemy to the process of transforming a ball of clay into a finished piece, and that transformation never ceases to amaze and inspire me.
There is also a rich history and tradition of clay as an art form, dating back centuries and spanning cultures and continents. I feel a deep connection to this lineage of clay artists, and I am honored to be part of a community that values and celebrates this timeless medium.
What does a day in your studio look like?
An average day in my studio starts at 10am after my three little ones are out the door and I’ve finished yoga. I’ll spend my day checking on pieces I’ve thrown the day before, trimming whatever is ready, reclaiming and recycling clay, glazing, and managing the kiln. One of my favorite parts of my job is knowing that every day is different. As soon as I get bored with one part of the process, it’s time to move onto something else.
As someone who works with an earth-based medium, how do you personally relate to the earth?
As someone who works with an earth-based medium, my relationship with the earth is integral to my creative process. I am constantly inspired by the natural world around me, from the shapes and textures of stones and minerals to the colors and patterns of plants and landscapes. In a way, my work is a way of paying tribute to the beauty and complexity of the earth.
Beyond that, I also feel a deep sense of responsibility to the environment and the planet as a whole. I believe that as humans, it is our duty to care for and protect the earth, and I try to incorporate sustainable practices into both my personal life and my work. This means sourcing materials ethically and responsibly, reducing waste wherever possible, and minimizing my carbon footprint.
What role has creativity played in your life?
I am lucky to always have been surrounded by creative people and people that encourage creativity. It will always be a way of doing life for me, and I find myself being creative in every aspect of my life.
How has creativity played a role throughout your life?
Creativity has always been a part of my life. My first memories were of my mom constantly creating and making art around me. She was the original Pinterest before such a thing existed. My aunt was also an incredibly gifted ceramicist who taught collegially for many years. Her shapes are still some of my most treasured pieces. With how deeply and quickly I fell in love with pottery, I am sure that it is in my DNA. Art and creativity feels like a part of my genetic make up; it has always been a part of my life.
When you think about your creations in the hands of other people, what is it that you envision?
Thinking about my pieces on the table at dinner parties, holiday meals, and (most importantly) as a vessel for morning caffeine, is truly the most humbling thing. I imagine each piece "living their best lives" under the stars during a summer party, being passed through a slew of hands at a holiday gathering or restaurant, and being sipped on during coffee dates. My hope is for each shape to elevate and connect the moment, no matter how big or small.
How do you approach your creative practice?
When it comes to my creative practice, I approach it with a deep sense of passion and purpose. For me, creating is not just a hobby or a job, it is a way of life. I am constantly exploring new materials, experimenting with techniques, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
At the same time, I recognize that running a successful business requires more than just creativity. It also requires a strategic approach to branding, marketing, and sales. To bridge the gap between the creative and business sides of my brand, I try to stay organized and focused, setting clear goals and priorities for each aspect of my work.
I also believe that authenticity is key to building a strong and sustainable brand. That means staying true to my creative vision while also being mindful of my audience and their needs. By balancing my artistic impulses with a strategic approach to business, I am able to create a brand that is both meaningful and commercially viable.
How has your experience of being a mother and finding yourself anew within that experience shaped you and how you see the world?
Becoming a mother changed every aspect of my life (how could it not). Things I once deemed important, I don't give a second thought and vice versa. It's as if becoming a mother gave me a new lens to see life through. It has also taught me many personal lessons along the way - including the importance of self care in the midst of all the beauty and chaos that is having little ones. If it wasn't for the reset that having a family gave me, I don't know that I would have found ceramics in the way that I did.
Studio Notes
Creative Rituals
Morning yoga, coffee, and daily studio rhythms of throwing, glazing, and kiln work.
Currently Exploring
Balancing motherhood and creative practice as parallel forms of care and renewal.
Three Words
Grounded, intentional, tactile.
