About Casita Tierra Ceramics
Hi, I’m Luke Childs, the founder and sole producer of Casita Tierra Ceramics! I was born on February 2, 2009, in Bedford, New York, and I’ve always loved diving into new ideas and exploring my interests. I started school at Rippowam Cisqua, where I spent 11 amazing years (2012-2023) discovering so much about the world and myself. It was there that I found my passion for ceramics. Watching my elementary pottery teacher work magic on the wheel totally captivated me, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Now, I’m a student at St. Paul’s School, where I’ve been lucky to thrive as an honors student. After finishing my freshman and sophomore years, I decided to take on a new adventure: spending my junior year in Spain through the School Year Abroad (SYA) program. It’s been an incredible experience to live in a different country, immerse myself in a new culture, and see the world from a fresh perspective.
When I’m not in class or exploring Spain, you’ll usually find me on the tennis or soccer field. Playing sports has always been a big part of my life—I love the energy and the sense of teamwork it brings. And of course, ceramics is still one of my favorite ways to unwind and get creative. Whether I’m working on the wheel or experimenting with new techniques, it’s something that always brings me joy.
My journey so far has been all about balancing my love for learning, sports, and art while making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I’m excited to keep growing, exploring, and sharing my passions with the world!
My love for ceramics comes from the simple joy of creating something with my hands—something that starts as a lump of clay and slowly takes shape into an object that holds meaning, memory, and function. I’ve always been drawn to everyday items that carry a sense of personality—those mugs that feel better in your hand, bowls with little imperfections that make them beautiful, or a plate that’s somehow become part of your routine. That’s the kind of work I aim to create: pieces that are both useful and deeply personal.
I find a lot of inspiration in the idea of home and in the objects that bring warmth and connection into daily life. That’s why I named my website Casita Tierra, which translates loosely to “little earth house.” I grew up speaking Spanish at home, and now, as I study abroad in Spain, I feel even more connected to the language, the culture, and the way people here cherish meals, conversations, and traditions around the table. My goal is to carry a piece of that spirit into every item I make.
My pieces are often earthy and grounded, focused on natural textures, soft curves, and tones that reflect the warmth of the kitchen or dining table. I love experimenting with glazes and forms—playing with contrast and balance—but I also care deeply about function. Whether it’s a cup that fits just right in your hands or a bowl that becomes your go-to for soup or cereal, I want my ceramics to feel like they belong in someone’s everyday life. At the same time, I see them as little markers of individuality—each one slightly different, each one telling a small story.
Ceramics has also become a way for me to explore identity—how culture, language, and memory can be expressed through clay. Some of my pieces are inspired by time spent in Spanish cafés or traditional pottery styles I’ve seen abroad, while others reflect quiet moments from home: a family recipe, a morning routine, or the color of the soil where I grew up. In all of it, I try to make work that feels lived in, like it has a soul, and that invites someone to slow down—even just for a moment.