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.
Katy Volinic
Studio Assistant
Katy Volinic is a potter and sculptor inspired by ancient Roman, Mediterranean, and Etruscan ceramics. Her work reflects the worn surfaces and quiet presence of objects shaped for daily life, creating pieces that feel grounded, tactile, and enduring.
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At Carolina Clay Studio, Katy supports the daily rhythms of the space through kiln loading, reclaim processing, and studio care. This hands-on work informs her practice, reinforcing her belief that ceramics are meant to be used. Her pots are made for everyday rituals, encouraging a deeper awareness of home and a greater appreciation for simple, repeated moments.
