Christian Royal is a 19-year-old with Down syndrome who struggles with single words and has yet to grasp basic addition. However, over the past five years, Christian has shown an interest in working with clay, and an aptitude for creating simple, beautiful pieces. Since he took his first lessons, pottery has become both a joy and a vocation for Christian.
Using a combination of both of slab and wheel handcrafting, Christian produces beautiful stoneware that is natural in its form. A lover of pattern, Christian often incorporates impressions of antique lace or leaves he collects from aound his yard. With help from his parents, Mike and Helen, and others, Christian makes each piece from scratch in his home studio through a multi-step process. For a glimpse of Christian in his element, take a look at the video below.
Enjoy this site, and please visit our friends at the retailers and art galleries where Christian’s work is sold.