June Staff Highlight: Anika Major

/ Rain City Clay/

Anika in her studio space at RCC

Rain City Clay is lucky to be staffed by a group of dedicated ceramicists who work diligently to keep the studio running. In addition to all that they do at RCC, they also have their own clay practices, either in the RCC basement studios or off-site, where they make their own work and grow their skills. Each month we will be featuring one of our fantastic staff members and their talents.

This month we are highlighting Anika Major! Anika (she/her) is the studio manager at RCC. She wears many hats at the studio - from firing and fixing kilns, ensuring the (throwing) wheels keep turning, to managing class scheduling, teaching, and more. When Anika isn’t managing the studio she is hard at work in her semi-private studio space in the RCC basement, working in her garden, or playing with her adorable pup, Blue.

Anika combines her love of clay and figure painting in her colorful painted pots created using thrown and handbuilt methods of production. The shapes of her pots imitate the lumpiness of the human body, and her surfaces come alive with expressive and flamboyant heroines, exploring narratives of romance, individuality, and queer domestic comforts. Growing up in Texas, Anika developed an affinity for the symbolism of the feminine, overly glamorized cowgirl. Her work is currently developing larger forms and narrative vessels exploring romantic themes between cowfolks and other tender imagery.

Get to know Anika!



What is your favorite thing about being an RCC studio renter?

The community and space to work alongside other artists. I do love working independently, but I find that sharing creative energy with others is the best fuel. Exchanging ideas and sharing meals when taking breaks always fosters great conversation.

What has inspired your most recent work? 

Lately, I have been inspired to make larger and complex forms like bottle and cup sets, and lidded boxes. I am excited to move beyond my usual forms, and to challenge myself in creating forms through combining thrown and handbuilt elements. On my surfaces, I have been playing with cowgirl and western-american motifs, and continue to enjoy crafting characters and narratives to explore queer romantic themes.

When is your favorite time during the day to create? / When are you most inspired?

I usually end up in the studio by noon, I am not an early morning person! A long day in the studio feels the most fulfilling and successful for me, I get easily distracted when working in short bursts.

How do you push through creative blocks?

I spend time looking at imagery that inspires me. I love going to galleries, and seeing other types of art that offer new perspectives. However, sometimes I just enjoy taking a break and treating myself to a nice meal, and going for a walk. 

What advice would you give to Anika 5 years ago? 

Stay persistent, and trust yourself. I look back at my younger self and still identify with a lot of her thoughts, and what she wanted to say. I feel like the current me is working to carry that voice!

What's next for Anika? Shows? 

Experimenting with larger forms, making jars and hand built boxes, and adjusting back to whitestone clay is on the horizon! I’m looking forward to working without the pressure of a looming deadline. I just finished a large grouping of work for my show at Good Earth Pottery where I’ll be a featured artist for the month of June! If you’re in the Seattle/Bellingham area, join me for the reception on June 3rd from 3-5pm.

/ Rain City Clay/ /

Deborah Schwartzkopf

As a studio artist, she makes fabulous tableware that infuses life with purposeful beauty. Deb was inspired by the guidance of amazing mentors along the way. These important relationships fostered her desire to engage and build community through clay. Her adventurous spirit has taken her across the country and beyond to form a depth of experience, knowledge, and a supportive network.

In 2013 Deb established Rat City Studios in her hometown of Seattle, WA. RCS is her home and personal studio, as well as, a creative space for multiple studio members working independently. In 2022 she opened a sister studio, Rain City Clay in West Seattle. RCC is a community art center focusing on experiential learning through ceramics classes of all levels.

With over 15 years of experience, a Master’s of Fine Art at Penn State, artwork included in collections such as the Kamm Teapot Foundation, San Angelo Museum, and the WA State Arts Collection, numerous publications including Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Studio Potter Magazine, she has been recognized and honored in her career as a maker.