Artist Bio

Michael and Michele Gwinup established Blue Spruce Pottery in Bend Oregon in 1976. In 2003 Michael and Michele’s daughter Melissa and her husband Patrick Woodman joined the business. 

On March 31 2022 Michael unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack while snowboarding at Mt Bachelor. Michael was in a place he loved doing something he loved with his family. He was an amazing artist and a mentor to many.

Melissa and Patrick are now making the majority of the pottery with Michele making a few pieces as well. 

All of our pots are made one at a time on a potter’s wheel or hand built from slabs of clay. We make all our clay and glazes from the raw materials. Our clay formula was developed by Michael and the glazes are all recipes that have been tried and tested over the years. 

Our stoneware pottery is all functional pieces that are food safe. It is fired in a gas kiln to 2200 degrees, cone 10. This makes the clay very durable. All our stoneware is made to be used and enjoyed. It is lead-free, dishwasher and microwave safe.

The mountains of Central Oregon are our main inspiration. We try to bring the beauty of the landscape into our work. We feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and to be able to make a living doing what we love.