Thomas Hoadley

Thomas Hoadley graduated with a BA in studio art from Amherst College in 1971. After working a few years in architecture, Hoadley settled in Vermont, where he apprenticed with potter Malcolm Wright, who introduced him to Karatsu ware, a Japanese style of functional pottery. While pursuing his master of science in ceramics at Illinois State University, Hoadley was introduced to the ancient Japanese pottery technique called nerikomi, which he uses to create his exquisite bowls and platters. In nerikomi, layers of colored clays are stacked repeatedly, creating a "loaf" that is later cut and assembled, often using a mold. The technique is similar to the more commonly known Italian glass technique millefiori. Hoadley typically creates ten-pound loaves comprising thousands of layers. Due to the labor-intensive process of creating the stacked formations, he averages only 50 to 60 pieces per year, many of which resemble patchwork quilts. The recipient of numerous fellowships and grants, Hoadley has exhibited widely, and his work is featured in national and international collections.