The mind behind the madness

Ethan Fielder is a sculptor, illustrator, and professional instigator of creative curiosity. Originally hailing from Central Vermont, Ethan traded the maple trees for the mangroves of St. Pete, where he now spends his days convincing mud to take on increasingly interesting narratives.

With a BFA in Ceramics from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Ethan’s work is a spirited collision between the "bright and loud" energy of the California Clay Movement and the gritty charm of urban aesthetics. His pieces often dwell in the delightful tension between growth and decay—capturing that exact moment when things are falling apart just enough to look beautiful. Whether he’s painting a mural on a brick wall or throwing a functional pot, Ethan’s practice is fueled by a decade of research and immersion that includes trekking through studios in Japan and multiple residencies at the Haystack School of Craft.

After arriving as a resident at the Morean Center for Clay, Ethan decided he liked the sunshine, and the people, too much to leave. He has since leveled up to co-conspirator and part-owner of St. Pete Ceramics, where he has played a significant role in turning the studio into a local powerhouse.

When he isn’t covered in clay dust, Ethan is busy plotting the expansion of the art world at large. Through The Clay Collective, he acts as a matchmaker for local artists and opportunities, while his summer camps ensure the next generation of Floridians knows exactly how to make a high-quality mess. Part artist, part entrepreneur, and full-time creative catalyst, Ethan Fielder is on a mission to make sure art—and perhaps a little bit of mischief—remains at the heart of Saint Petersburg.