Unveiling The Talented Artist Behind Gourmet Gainz: Chris Sabatino, Founder of Clayclops Ceramics
We are proud to introduce Chris Sabatino, Founder of Claycops Ceramics and the talented artist behind Kinda Fit Kinda Fat's Exclusive Gourmet Gainz Collection featuring Burning Ramen Bowls, Minatamis Na Tabo, and the recently sold out Spice Jars! Learn more in this Q&A about Chris's journey with ceramics, his creative process, and how he continues pushing the creative boundaries.
KFKF: How did your journey into pottery begin?
Chris: "I have been in the ceramics world for about 13 years now, starting in High School and spending several years in ceramics courses in college. In the last 3 years, I have completely embraced this hobby and turned it into a business. I teach pottery classes at Clay on First Studio in Long Beach where I am also a member since 2020 and I have a small working studio in my home in Riverside, CA."
KFKF: What inspires your creative process?
Chris: "I take a ton of inspiration from Anime, video games, and all around fantastical things. I love to take a character from something that is well known and elevate it to a point where it can stand on its own even without the reference to pop culture. I very much enjoy finding that perfect spot where character and functionality meet."
KFKF: What do you love most about pottery that keeps you coming back to the wheel?
Chris: "The sheer limitlessness of pottery is so inspiring to me. It can be the most frustrating thing but also so rewarding. You may think you’ve hit your best but your skill continues to grow and then you find yourself honing your craft in a whole new way! Almost anything is possible in this world of ceramics and is only limited by your own imagination."
KFKF: What inspires your work?
"All things nerdy, colorful, bright, and freeing. I am a sucker for nostalgia and I love bringing those things to life!"
KFKF: Explain a bit about the conceptualization and process behind the spice jars and spoons.
Chris: "I very much enjoyed making the ramen bowls for KFKF so I wanted to follow a “food” mentality but also wanted to push myself a little further. I had made jars in the past but I wanted more. That’s when I decided to also make handmade spoons to go along with the jars. I thought would be great to pair together and have a one of a kind chili oil or sauce jar. I tried a variety of clays and glazes to see what would work best and with that came some failures but that’s what needs to be done to vet out a good product. Every failure is a chance to learn."
KFKF: What’s your favorite part of the pottery process?
Chris: "I love love love throwing on the wheel and the trimming afterwards is so satisfying. When the clay is the perfect dryness and it peels away all it one piece just makes me so happy."
KFKF: How do you want people to feel when they see your work?
Chris: "I want people to feel nostalgic and happy when they see my work. I live for a double take and the person realizing that piece is and where it’s from. I want to invoke curiosity and make them question how a certain part of it was made or maybe how I get a specific color or finish."
KFKF: What has ceramics taught you about yourself?
Chris: "I have learned the power of failure with ceramics. There are so many times where I work extremely hard on a piece just for it to break or for it to not come out the way I wanted. It teaches me to try again and when I do, I have that knowledge of “why” it failed and I normally get a much better product out of it. Ceramics will constantly keep you humble but also provide you with the most overwhelming sense of pride. It continues to keep me grounded in life and rightfully so….seeing as clay comes from the ground!"
Through Clayclops Ceramics, Chris continues to push creative boundaries, blending artistry with functionality in every piece he makes. His passion for pop culture, nostalgia, and experimentation brings a unique charm to his work, proving that pottery is only limited by the imagination. Whether through a handmade spice jar, a character-inspired mug, or a carefully crafted ramen bowl, each piece tells a story — one that invites people to experience the magic of clay in a whole new way.
Intrigued about his pieces? Check out his Etsy store! To learn more about Chris's ceramic journey, follow his Instagram!
Make sure you're following our socials to stay tuned for the next exclusive Gourmet Gainz drop!