Handle with flair: This St. George potter’s work includes octopus tentacles and sculpted scorpions

Written by Jessi Bang
May 8, 2024

ST. GEORGE — From intertwining octopus tentacles to stinger-tailed scorpions, this pottery artist is showcasing a melting pot of talent.

Pottery by Emmalani Gent features a sea theme with an octopus tentacle handle, Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Emmalani Gent, St. George news
Pottery by Emmalani Gent features a sea theme with an octopus tentacle handle, Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Emmalani Gent, St. George news

“I grew up in Hawaii and I just really love the creatures there,” artist Emmalani Gent said. “The things I make are inspired by that and somehow people just really like it.”

Gent’s work extends beyond ordinary dinnerware; she crafts distinctive pieces, from coffee mugs to dish sets and shot glasses, each meticulously hand-carved. Her signature glazes, perfected over years of experimentation, add to the uniqueness of each piece. Embracing the uncommon, she also incorporates speckled glaze in her work.

While she breezes through the realistic creations, Gent said it takes a lot of patience. Many of her hand-carved creatures are on the exterior of each piece, but that’s not the only place you’ll find them. During your last sip of coffee, you just might find a hidden surprise like an eight-legged spider at the bottom of your cup.

Gent said she grew up in Kona, Hawaii, on the Big Island before moving to California. In both locations, she was surrounded by sea and land creatures. She and her family moved to St. George with the intention for her to attend Tuacahn High School, the same art school her mother attended as an opera singer. Instead, Gent graduated from high school at 15 through online schooling, bypassing traditional high school altogether.

Her mom took her to The Tilted Kiln for a two-hour lesson when she was 11 years old. That sparked her passion for pottery and she hasn’t been able to put down the clay since. She’s been largely self-taught, with occasional guidance from owner Joe Bott and other mentors at The Tilted Kiln.

A shot glass by Emmalani Gent features a hand-carved scorpion, Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Emmalani Gent, St. George news
A shot glass by Emmalani Gent features a hand-carved scorpion, Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Emmalani Gent, St. George news

“This is my home,” Gent said, sitting inside her studio space at The Tilted Kiln. “I’m here three times more than I am anywhere else. It’s a comfort space for me and I love coming here every day.”

Alongside her career as a full-time pottery artist, she shares her expertise by periodically teaching classes at The Tilted Kiln. Her goal is to enhance her realistic style and infuse her colors with even more vibrancy. Currently, she’s in the process of arranging exhibitions to showcase her work near Zion National Park.

As Gent’s journey in pottery continues, she remains committed to injecting a dash of quirkiness into every piece, ensuring that each creation tells its own whimsical tale. With her vibrant colors, lifelike creatures and boundless imagination, she invites users to embrace the unexpected.

So, the next time you sip from one of her coffee mugs or admire a dish set carved with her unique designs, remember: Behind every masterpiece lies an artist who made it one of a kind.

Shop Gent’s creature creations inside Gaias Cafe, the St. George Art Museum and Trudy’s Spot. In Kanab, her work can be seen at Lotus Boutique & Studio. Visit her website to shop online. Follow @emmalaniceramics on Instagram to see her latest work.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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