Lindsey Kelly Whitlock - Clay Artisan 



Lindsey Kelly Whitlock is a ceramic artist based in Birmingham, Alabama, and serves as vice president of the Alabama Craft Guild. Since earning her BFA from Auburn University, she has spent over a decade exploring the possibilities of clay, creating work that blends functionality with decorative detail. An internship at the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana, Alabama, helped spark her passion for pottery and laid the foundation for her professional practice. Over the years, Lindsey has developed a style that balances careful craftsmanship with thoughtful design, resulting in pieces that are both practical and visually engaging.

 

Lindsey’s work is primarily hand-built using clay from Alligator Clay Company, though she occasionally returns to the wheel when inspiration strikes. Most pieces begin as a flat slab of clay, which she rolls out and then cuts, shapes, or manipulates into the desired form. She sometimes uses slump or hump molds to create consistent shapes and occasionally incorporates handmade doilies passed down through her family, along with other found objects, to add texture and surface interest. This process allows her to experiment with form and structure while maintaining a strong hands-on connection to each piece she creates. 

Surface design plays a central role in Lindsey’s work. She uses a Cricut machine to create precise decals that are applied to the clay before glazing. After glazing, the decals are removed, leaving crisp, clean designs that enhance the form while preserving the tactile quality of the clay. Her work is fired to cone 6 and finished primarily with Amaco high-fire glazes. She carefully considers color, texture, and finish, striving to create pieces that are both durable for everyday use and beautiful enough to be displayed.

At the heart of Lindsey’s work is the belief that ceramic objects can be both approachable and meaningful. She is drawn to creating pieces that people can enjoy in their daily lives, whether serving a meal, organizing small items, or simply adding a decorative touch to a space. Her work reflects an ongoing interest in the balance between utility and artistry, with each piece shaped by a commitment to craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a love for handmade objects.

Lindsey exhibits her ceramics in select stores throughout Alabama and at local art shows, continuing to share her work with the broader community through both functional and decorative forms.

Click here to contact Lindsey via e-mail.