Minori Thorpe

Minori Thorpe was born in Setoda on Japan’s Inland Sea.  She worked as a registered nurse in Osaka - there she met a feisty American woman who was a flying-instructor and world-traveler.  This inspired Minori to come to see America, where she eventually became a nurse-anesthetist. 

In Japan, Minori was exposed to beautiful ceramics, but never had the opportunity to try making them herself. In the States, her development as a potter has been particularly helped by Victor Spinski

and Brenda Kingham-Hurm.

Minori’s interest in crystalline glazes and traditional stoneware

is evident in her ceramics. She has recently begun experimenting with her glazing and firing methods to create a series of pieces in shades of red.

Her newest work is a series of "Save the Earth" vases that feature a variety of hand sculpted animals and birds.