Rooted in Soul, Crafted by Hand

I’m Mark, a ceramic artist and co-owner of Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography in Key West. From the first time I sat at the wheel, I knew: this was where presence and possibility meet. As I honed my skills at the wheel, I saw that functional pottery could serve to hold the beauty that keeps us attuned to something bigger. Every piece I make is meant to be used, touched, and to make daily life more meaningful for my collectors.

The Work

Our ceramics collection is best described as boho elegance with soul. Simple, strong forms. Denim blues, wrought iron blacks  and coastal whites. Surfaces that hold memory and warmth. Dinnerware sets, large bowls, mugs, and platters—all crafted to elevate the everyday ritual of eating, gathering, and sharing. I work in small batches because I take deep pride in honoring slow, skilled craftsmanship. My work is not flashy or perfect in any way. I simply want my collectors to have the very best I can make on any given day. I, alongside Sarah—my partner in life and in this studio, brings her gift as a photographer. Her lens captures the quiet magic of this island: snowy egrets lifting into the air, tropical light settling on the water, details that often go unseen. Together, we’ve built a space that reflects both of us: clay and shutter, earth and light.

Why We Create

We live in a world where many feel erased, displaced, or unmoored. Our response is to create art that grounds you. Objects with presence. Images that bring you back to beauty. Everything we make is an invitation:

• To pause.

• To connect.

• To remember that you belong.

At Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography, the table is always set for you—whether through a handmade mug that greets you each morning, or a photograph that reminds you of the sky you love.

So if you value truth over trend, substance over noise, and beauty that endures—welcome. Pull up a chair. You have a seat at this table.