By Janet Wight
It has already been two years since ceramic artist Francis Pineda-Fischer moved his Sandwich Ceramic studio into the former Midtown Cleaners building on Hamline Avenue near Larpenteur.
The space, now called Midtown Clay, is shared with fellow potters Waylon Bemboom (Generic Ceramics) and Alex Swann.
A native of St. Cloud, Pineda-Fischer attended Cathedral High School. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a double major in global studies and art, along with a Spanish minor, he worked as a server and bartender.
Soon afterward, Pineda-Fischer landed a customer service position at Continental Clay and he also taught at several area studios. He has been a full-time ceramic artist since 2018.
Pineda-Fischer produces ceramic wares for both wholesale and retail customers. Most of his pieces are functional, including cups, mugs, bowls, plates, incense burners and spoon rests. The prices range from $10 to $200. He also creates sculptural items, he said.
“All of the glazes are in-house glazes that I have made myself out of the raw materials,” he explained. These products are both microwave and dishwasher safe.
“The finished product is one that I am happy and confident to give to anyone,” he said. “I make them with a lot of love, and I like being able to share that with people.”
Although much of his work is for the wholesale market, including custom planters and vases for furniture retailer Room & Board, Pineda-Fischer said he is hoping to boost his retail offerings.
Neighbors and potential customers are welcome to stop by whenever the door is open, he said. Pineda-Fischer is planning to establish regular retail hours within the next few months.
Additionally, pottery classes will be offered for both youth and adult students, he added.
Pineda-Fischer’s advice to other artists is straightforward. “Follow things that you are interested in and that give you energy, and that will help,” he said.
“If you enjoy what you are doing, I think that is the end goal,” he continued.
An animal lover, Pineda-Fischer enjoys spending time with his pets. He and his partner have three dogs (Gaucho, Pancha and Merlin) and two recently adopted cats.
Pineda-Fischer said he is looking forward to engaging more with the community. It is “nice to put a face with the person who is taking a pot away,” he said.
Anyone interested in updates regarding retail hours and pottery classes can subscribe to the Sandwich Ceramic newsletter. Visit sandwichceramic.com for additional information.
Janet Wight is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
