C. Laura Irmis, of Saltwater Ceramics, had worked in the graphic design industry for over 10 years when she realized her creative passion needed to expand. In the midst of finishing her bachelor’s degree, she took a ceramics class and found an additional creative spark she had been craving. Laura received her B.A. in Visual Arts from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg Florida, and emerged as a potter. Living on the west coast of Florida has dramatically influenced her creative path. Both music and the beaches have been driving sources of inspiration. The composition of shapes, textures and colors show this inescapable relationship.
“I am obsessed with the ocean. I have a yearning to be submerged in the ocean’s deep, mysterious environment — exploring dark corners and murky creatures while listening to tranquil sounds.
The wheel becomes an extension of my body. I create my work imagining I am a sea creature floating through the dark atmosphere, breathing in the salty water. I am captivated by the textured surfaces of the undersea 
environment and recreate them in my work.
The pieces I create express my emotions and awareness of our ocean’s spirit. My work is intended to function as an illustration of experience and contemplation. By observing my work, the viewer accompanies me on my internal journey.”
~ C. Laura Irmis