Meet Walter

Walter Murdock is a Brooklyn-based ceramicist and photographer who balances his time between managing the photography facility at the Fashion Institute of Technology and handcrafting functional pottery. His passion for ceramics began in his grandmother’s backyard studio, where she introduced him to the art of throwing clay on a kick wheel. That early fascination never faded. Years later, he returned to ceramics, captivated by the transformation of raw clay into refined, durable, and functional objects. His work is an homage to the beauty of handmade craftsmanship and the quiet intimacy of everyday rituals.
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Artist Statement
For me, working with clay is a meditative practice. The process is intuitive, often without rigid planning, allowing each piece to take shape organically. Failed attempts are never wasted; they are recycled, reworked, and refined until they evolve into finished pieces.
The act of making is as important as the final product. With each bowl, mug, or pitcher, I consider its function, how it will be held, and the experience it will offer. The clay moves through cycles—thrown, shaped, dried, fired, and glazed—each step revealing something new. Every finished piece carries a sense of history, transformation, and the care that went into its making. My hope is that these objects become a cherished part of someone’s daily life, valued for both their beauty and utility.

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