Meet Hillit Wahlberg | Ceramic Artist and Owner of ALL MUDDY

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hillit Wahlberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hillit, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?

Most people who have never played with clay are unaware of how much time and effort goes into one piece. I had people asking if I could make them a custom piece in a week, or others wondering why I price my pieces so high. The making of a vase for example can take a while. First, you have to throw the vase on the pottery wheel. You should probably throw more than one because a lot could go wrong between this phase and the final result. Then, you have to wait for the vase to dry to the right consistency, about 3-7 days, so you can trim it, and make it lighter. Then it has to dry slowly for at least 3-6 days so no stress cracks will appear. Only then do you get to fire that vase, glaze it, then fire it again. Each fire takes about 24 hours. One vase can take up to three weeks, so the next time you see a handmade vase, you may have a newfound appreciation for the process 🙂

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My love for clay started at a very young age, doing hand-building, but only 4 years ago I actually started throwing on the pottery wheel. I grew up in a working-class household and was taught to seek stability, not adventure, so even though I was creative at heart, I stuck to management roles in creative fields. I started my professional journey as a writer. I was a journalist and a radio DJ. I went on to become an editor, then a manager, then I took the skills I acquired and started working in the tech industry in marketing and content strategy roles. My last role was in a design studio with over 200 designers and artists. Being surrounded by people that can take their vision and create something visual with it inspired me to create something tangible, that you could actually hold. Throughout my career, I’ve been making up stories and creating with words, but when I made my first cup on the wheel my imagination became something you can hold. It thrilled me like nothing else.

In 2021 I took a big life step and moved from Tel Aviv to Colorado. Pottery was already a huge part of my life by then, but I was still applying for jobs. It took me a few weeks of interviewing for jobs I absolutely didn’t want to get to realize the only way for me is full independence. I guess moving to another country freed up something in my mind. After leaving your family and friends behind and making such a big change in your life, starting your own business didn’t seem so scary anymore. I began the process of shifting my paradigm and ALL MUDDY was born.

Since then I have been at my local studio, Urban Mud, 24/7. I started helping out with studio responsibilities and eventually became the fire technician and later the studio manager. Every day I was learning about ceramics while making ceramics, constantly honing my skills. Earlier this year my partner and I converted our garage to become my own private studio. After making mostly functional ware I began experimenting with sculptural and conceptual work. It’s an interesting balance between practicality that comes naturally to me, and intuition, that I’m still learning how to trust.

Looking back at these past few years, I realize how my challenges eventually became my motivation. The tech industry was somewhat of a golden cage for me. It cushioned me financially, yes, but at the cost of losing a part of myself. Finding that again in ceramics fueled my engine, and what keeps it going now is the knowing that I can never go back to an office job. That is what makes my fear of starting my own business turn into the reason why I have to make it work. It’s not an IF it’s a When, and once I started thinking like that I noticed that every day that went by when I was doing the thing I’m passionate about, was a day that invited growth.

I think my story is reflected in ALL MUDDY because eventually it’s authentic to me. I’m not selling something foreign to me, I’m offering a piece of my true self. I named it ALL MUDDY because mud and earth are what make ceramics. It doesn’t start beautiful, you make it beautiful. I added the tagline ‘Ceramics Handmade to Imperfection’ to emphasize that beauty is found in the minor faults that make a piece unique. That reflects a journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve only been in Denver for a little over 2 years, so I’m not proclaiming to know the city, as well as a local, would. But the first thing that comes to mind is the city’s First Friday events. Back where I’m from there’s obviously appreciation for the arts but not of this magnitude. I’ll start at Urban Mud Gallery because I’m biased, but also because we create amazing exhibitions that represent an array of styles in pottery. Then I’ll go up the avenues and check out all the galleries and parking lots with vendors and music. ‘esp’ is a great hang for delicious cocktails and good music. El Taco de México is a must as well.

When I moved to Denver my first apartment was in RiNo so I have a few favorite spots there. Backyard on Blake is an awesome commercial area. Salt + Blue is one of my favorite shops there. It’s the perfect place for foodies and lovers of design. I liked it so much that I approached the owner, Katie Neuman, to offer some of my products for sale and we now have a beautiful partnership.

Zeppelin station is another stop I’d visit with an out-of-town guest. From there, cross the railroad to Larimer St. and wander through the breweries and shops. End up in Improper City for drinks and some food from one of the food trucks they have. I’d also check to see what’s new at the Redline Contemporary Art Center where you can visit the space of the resident artist and catch them at work.

While back on the subject of art, the Denver Art Museum, the MCA, and the Kirkland Museum are my top three museums in Denver and the free museum nights are one of the best things in this city, though I encourage you to donate if you can. While in the area, I’d check what’s playing at Your Mom’s House.

Another favorite street is Broadway. I’d start around 1st Avenue and walk south, checking all the vintage stores around. The Good Will on Broadway is full of finds and Mutiny across the street is a cool shop with an outside market on the weekend. Grab a donut at Voodoo, a coffee at Bardo, and if it’s a guest out of town then a brunch at Denver Biscuit Company is inevitable. Another day will be dedicated to the restaurants on South Broadway, which is the best part of Broadway. Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina will be my pick.

South Pearl St Farmers’ Market would be a Sunday well spent. Though crowded, it’s a good market and street to explore.

…And of course, no visit to Denver would be complete without a Red Rocks show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner deserves a good chunk of credit for my success. I am not one to create alone and always appreciate a good brainstorming session and he is my go-to person for that. He knows all the industry terms by now. Before I started my business, when I was still interviewing for tech jobs, he was the one that brought up the idea of starting my own ceramics business. When it was time to build my first studio, he was right there, doing the heavy lifting with me.

Website: https://www.allmuddy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allmuddyclay/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillitwahlberg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Allmuddyclay

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allmuddy Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AllMuddy

Image Credits
Hillit Wahlberg