Sandra Daulton Shaughnessy

Sandra Daughton Shaughnessy’s focus for the past four decades has been to explore the many attributes of clay via artists, materials, techniques and history. She is drawn to artwork that is created in a community and used ceremoniously to highlight the power and ritual of art. She is particularly inspired by the artwork of the Pacific Northwest native communities; ceremonial objects; and the flora, fauna and landscape of rural Minnesota.

Sandra characterizes her clay as “ceremoniously functional.” Using wheel thrown and hand altering techniques she incorporates elements of ritual and functional pottery, daily life and fine craft. She has a MFA from Eastern Michigan University and a BFA from the University of Northern Iowa in ceramics with special studies at the University of New Mexico in Ceramics & Museology. Her clay work is in numerous private and public collections, including the Minnesota Museum of Art, Eastern Michigan Gallery of Art, Ann Arbor Potter's Guild, and the Des Moines Art Center. She has also taught ceramics at regional art centers throughout the Midwest and at Eastern Michigan University and Winona State University.  

In 2019, Sandra built Clayhouse Pottery Studio in rural Ottertail, Minnesota. This 1,300-square-foot studio includes a gas, soda-fired, and cart kiln where Sandra currently continues her lifelong fascination with clay.