The Carolina Clay Studio Team
Nate Goldman
Owner, Teaches Wheel & Hand-Building
Nate focuses on functional, wheel-thrown pottery with a special focus on Gongfu teaware, blending Chinese function, Korean form, and modern American surface.
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As an instructor, Nate brings a method-based teaching style shaped by a background in teaching and neuroscience, helping students of all levels build strong technical skills while developing their own creative voice.
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Outside ceramics, Nate loves playing and writing music, exploring nature, and board game nights with friends.
Ryan Young
Teaches Wheel, Hand-Building
Ryan Young is a ceramic artist and educator based in Cary, North Carolina. Inspired by nature and everyday objects, she creates functional pottery adorned with hand-carved blooms, flowing lines, and layered surface details, designed both for use and display. Her work blends modern design with the warmth and familiarity of classic Americana.
Ryan shares her process through workshops and community studio classes, guiding students in both hand-building and wheel-throwing with a strong emphasis on carving and surface design.
Gray Priestaf
Studio Assistant
Gray Priestaf is an artist and potter whose work often explores moody, dark, and abstract themes. She is most inspired by using art as a tool to process or express the human experience. At CCS, Gray is gaining impactful hands-on experience teaching all ages, at any experience level, to ultimately pursue her masters degree in Art Therapy.
In addition to classes, Gray works as a studio assistant to make sure the entire studio can run both safely and efficiently, balancing functionality while also holding space for expression, much like her ceramic projects. Cleaning, mixing glazes, organizing items, transporting wares; it all plays a part in the bigger picture, and care is never left behind in the details.
