ALAN PERILLO
Artist Statement
I make pottery that embraces the materials and processes by which it is made. Everything that I create is formed, at least partially, on a pottery wheel. I strive to make wares which belong functionally or decoratively in a domestic setting. I am constantly mindful of how my personal aesthetics combine with the many traditions which I gather inspiration from. My goal is to create items which are personal to me, and to bring appreciation to the modern and historic artists whose work has informed mine.
My relationships with clay and glaze ingredients are essential to the progress of my work. I continually test how these materials behave. The characteristics of the substances which constitute my finished pots inevitably influence my creative approach and design. I like to showcase the texture of clay by intentionally leaving throwing lines, trimming lines, and finger marks. The gestural surface decorations that I make are deliberately carefree to preserve the fluidity and movement of the slip that I use. These motifs provide visual and tactile points of interest for the user which are evidence of the handmade nature of an item.
I believe that an appreciation for pottery is ubiquitous. I have filled my home and cabinets with pottery made by artists from all over, and I am delighted to use it every day. My goal is to share what I do with others so that they might experience the same enjoyment that I do.
ALAN PERILLO
Biography
I create pottery with an emphasis on functionality and form. My pots are intended to be used daily and displayed in your home.
I first learned to use a pottery wheel during my second year in high school. I quickly became enthralled with the process and was motivated to improve. I gathered inspiration from collections of ancient Greek and Roman pottery on display in museums near Los Angeles, close to where I grew up. I wanted to make pots that displayed the same elegance and power in their forms as those.​
I continued to make and teach pottery during my free time while I was in college and after. I did some traveling and was an artist in residence for a short period at a studio in Greece. Eventually, I sought out professional potters to visit and learn from. I observed the level of commitment required to turn pottery making into a full-time job. My time as a summer studio assistant for a wood-firing potter in Wisconsin strongly influenced my decision to pursue a career of making art. Finally, I received formal training for a year and a half during my apprenticeship with a potter in North Carolina.
Now I live in Tenino, Washington where I am growing my own pottery business. I produce thrown stoneware fired in a wood-fueled kiln that I built in 2023 and am developing uses for the wild clay deposit on my property.
ANNIE PERILLO
Annie supports the business side of the pottery and assists in the making process. Since the beginning of Perillo Pottery, Annie has facilitated my work in many ways from talking through kiln designs to cutting bricks!
​
"I enjoyed experiencing the combination of craft, nature, and community at the potteries in Wisconsin and North Carolina that Alan learned from. I hope to bring a piece of that pottery homestead magic to the Pacific Northwest as we build a presence here!
In a making role, I enjoy the iterative quality of ceramics and am interested in the strong traditions of shapes in pottery. I continue to explore functional shapes and whimsical motifs that feel both personal and universal."
JACK ORGILL
Jack began his apprenticeship with Alan in January, 2026. He is honing his wheel throwing skills with Alan's guidance and lending his knowledge of local materials to our efforts to develop uses for the clay deposit on our property.
​
Jack began his ceramics journey at Tacoma Community College and earned a bachelor's degree from Utah State University.
​
Pots made by Jack at Perillo Pottery have his "JO" stamp in addition to Alan's "AP" stamp.
