I’m Neeley Koester, and I am happy to have the opportunity to present my work to you!
I have been pursuing pottery for nearly ten years, having discovered my love for this art form while in high school. After graduating, I attended the University of Evansville in Indiana, where I obtained a B.A. in Communications. Although I had convinced myself that I was not going to pursue an artistic career, it only took a short time before I began filling holes in my schedule with classes in the Art department. I quickly rediscovered my love for ceramics, and although I finished my Communications degree, I was unable to stop dreaming of one day having my own studio. At the end of my college career I had given away or donated (which meant prying them away from my mother, who had hoarded almost every piece I had ever made up to that point!) my entire inventory. This allowed me to focus on the direction I wanted my work to take.
I relocated to Nashville, Tn., and opened my studio in 2013, choosing a space near Nashville’s famed Music Row. There I found even more inspiration by being immersed in such an artistic atmosphere.
I now work at my art full time, dedicating my energy to my own unique style of creating sculptures on wheel-thrown pieces and, soon, employing the raku technique of firing.
While I enjoy making pieces that are functional, I am most excited by producing decorative works. I love being able to offer work that people find easy to envision in their own spaces. I like to think that a patron does not need to come into my studio with a prior knowledge of art or a background in interior decorating to appreciate what my pieces have to offer them in the way of emotional satisfaction and aesthetic value. The thought of my patrons being able to enjoy having one of my pieces in their home or place of business, to enjoy whenever they like, is what motivates me the most.
I consider my studio to be my home, and I encourage you to visit whenever you see the lights on! My studio is furnished with comfortable seating and a clear view of my work area, so you can enjoy not only the pieces that I create but also the process by which I create them. I may even have a glass of wine (or beer) with you!
I believe that, just as each of my creations is unique, so are each of my clients, and it is important to me to understand clearly what your wants and needs are. I don’t mind doing commissioned work (although I have a tendency to deliver “more” than what is asked for…an issue that has yet to disappoint anyone!).
I sincerely hope that, as you view my work, whether in person or on-line, that you feel the same sense of joy that I feel when creating it. I invite you to visit often, and I especially love hearing from people that have purchased my work and how much they enjoy having it in their home.
After all, home is where the heart is, and my heart goes into each piece that I produce. I am thankful that you allow my work (and, by extension, me) into your home, and welcome you to visit mine whenever you please!