We recently spent an afternoon touring the MMclay studio and catching up with the founder of the ceramic studio, Mary Mar.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how your interest and career in pottery started.
My journey with clay began as an art major at Roanoke College in Virginia, where I was instantly captivated by the medium and bitten by what I often call "the clay bug." From that point on, I knew I wanted to build a career where my hands were always in clay. Shortly after graduation, I moved to San Francisco and immersed myself in the local ceramics community, finding a studio to work in and deepening my knowledge by working at a ceramic supply warehouse. At just 23, I opened my first clay studio and gallery near North Beach, driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit anxious to learn about making pottery and running a creative business. I pursued hands-on learning opportunities across North Carolina, Colorado, and even Italy, all while supporting myself by working in restaurants at night. The experience of working closely with chefs opened my eyes to the powerful connection between pottery and food. It became clear to me that my passion lay in creating wares that elevated the dining experience. I wanted to make pieces that were as thoughtfully made as the food they carried. The synergy between form, function and the shared ritual of a meal continues to inspire my work every day.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I'm inspired by the quiet beauty in nature. I love moss on a rock or barnacles on a shell. I tend to gravitate towards earth tones and weathered objects like rusted metal, cracking sidewalks and old buildings. I particularly love the green patina on copper or the turquoise blue of tropical waters. I try to bring that raw, organic surface into the pieces that I design. My work reflects a love for texture, imperfection, and the stories held in the surfaces of everyday life.
We love rituals at Elsie Green - Do you have a ritual for starting your da or centering yourself make space for the creative process?
Mornings in my house are anything but slow. I have two teenagers, so the day starts with coffee, breakfast, and the daily scramble to get everyone out the doors. It's busy and a little chaotic, but there's one ritual I never skip and thats making my bed. It might seem menial, but I once heard that most successful people in life make their bed every day. It's a simple, grounding act that feels like a small victory before the day even begins. I'm doing my best to pass that habit on to my kids. After school drop off and if time permits, I take my dog Charlie for a walk, usually in the Presidio or around Alamo Square. That's my quiet moment, time to breathe deeply, clear my head, and mentally prepare for the day. Nothing elaborate, but definitely essential. Once I get to the studio, the creative work rarely begins right away. Running a business means juggling emails, production schedules, and all the little things that keep MMclay going. I usually get my hands into clay in the afternoon, when the studio has found its rhythm. I love this time of the day.
What have you learned about yourself while working in the art and creative space?
One thing I've learned about myself through my work is that i'm deeply resilient and not afraid of the long haul. Creativity isn't just about making beautiful things, it's about problem-solving, persistence, and being willing to start again(and again) when things don't go as planned. Having a creative mind is a superpower and it helps me adapt, stay curious, and approach challenges with a sense of possibility. Whether i'm working with clay, navigating the chaos of small business ownership or raising kids, creativity as taught me how to trust my instincts, embracing imperfection, and keep moving forward with intention and heart.
Your website mentioned that your showroom sometimes hosts events and serves as a gallery. Are there any upcoming events that our readers should know about?
This year, we've been hosting workshop experiences at MMclay. Guests come in and learn to make a ceramic piece. We fire their wares and then they return for a session with a chef, florist, or coffee expert to use what they made. Our next event is with Kopê House. I'll be sharing how to make a ceramic pour-over, and then their team will lead a coffee brewing demo. I've always believed a ceramic piece isn't complete until it's being used, and these workshops really bring that idea to life. We're also hosting Summer Sundays in our showroom every Sunday this July and August. Each week, a different vendor - most food-focused - will join us in the morning to kick off the day.
Share your favorite cafe, restaurant and shop in San Francisco with our readers.
Wine shop - Slake - 3239 Balboa Street
Café - Loquat - 198 Gough St. Read our feature of Loquat here.
Restaurant - The Progress - 1525 Fillmore Street
Dress Shop - Onyx - 505 Divisadero Street
Home Goods - The Parish Trust - 728 Divisadero Street
Book Shop - Blackbird Books - 4541 Irving Street