A Wheel of Purpose: Wyatt Stebbins' Passion for Pottery and Giving Back

Wyatt Stebbins' journey into the world of pottery is a story of perseverance, passion, and a growing connection to both his craft and his community. It began in eighth grade, when he started coming home with his homework finished — and more free time than he knew what to do with. Sensing an opportunity, his mother, an artist herself, encouraged him to sign up for an art class. Before long, Wyatt found himself at The Sawtooth Center for Visual Art, sitting at a pottery wheel for the first time.

He wasn’t a natural right away — but that didn’t matter. “I was immediately hooked,” he says. The challenges of working with clay didn’t frustrate him; they drew him in. Learning pottery felt like a familiar kind of work — both rewarding and deeply calming. “With the constant spinning of the wheel, you have to focus, and soon you’re in the zone,” Wyatt explains. In that space, there’s no room for distraction — only the clay, the wheel, and the quiet rhythm of creating. That focus allowed his mind to rest and refuel.

As his skills grew, Wyatt took on a new challenge: mastering the kick wheel — a traditional, manual pottery wheel powered not by electricity, but by the potter’s own foot. Unlike motorized wheels, the kick wheel requires constant movement and control, demanding both physical coordination and patience. For Wyatt, it became another opportunity to lean into the process — to practice, persist, and find joy in the learning.

Wyatt’s connection to nature runs deep, and it’s evident in every piece he creates. He has a strong affinity for the outdoors, spending much of his time exploring the natural world. Over the years, he’s developed a keen understanding of different types of clay, including the iron-rich brick clay that is native to Winston-Salem. This local connection is not just in the raw materials he uses, but in the inspiration he draws from nature itself.

“I love digging up wild clay from my own yard,” Wyatt says, describing it as something “we all have in our yards.” This clay — humble and unrefined at first — becomes something beautiful in his hands. The earthy tones of the glazes he chooses, inspired by the landscape, reflect his desire to honor the land around him and the process of transformation that takes place when raw material is shaped with care.

Now a junior in the Arts Magnet Program at Reynolds High School, Wyatt is deeply grateful for the opportunity to focus on pottery every day. He knows that he’s in a privileged position, surrounded by mentors, peers, and a community that nurtures his passion. The program has allowed him to flourish as an artist, honing his technical skills while also refining his creative vision.

As he looks toward the future, Wyatt is exploring colleges and art programs that will allow him to further immerse himself in the world of pottery. His dream is to become a studio potter — a path he is determined to pursue with both passion and dedication. The road ahead is still long, but Wyatt is confident that he’s on the right track.

In addition to his artistic journey, Wyatt is also committed to giving back to his community. Through his work at The Sawtooth Center, he’s been involved in the Empty Bowls fundraiser, an annual event that supports Second Harvest Food Bank. The idea is simple: students and local artists create handmade bowls that are donated to the event, which provides guests with a simple soup lunch and a handcrafted bowl. Each bowl represents the strength and resilience of our neighbors and the power of community in nourishing and uplifting local families.

Though Wyatt has never personally experienced food insecurity, he’s well aware of its impact — especially through his family’s years of volunteering. He recalls delivering Thanksgiving dinners to families in need, an experience that left a lasting impression on him.

“It’s good to be aware that not everyone has what we do,” he says thoughtfully. “It makes me want to change that.”

By donating his bowls to Empty Bowls, Wyatt is able to contribute knowing that his creations will ultimately bring warmth and nourishment to someone else. While he prefers to stay in the background, his beautiful, handcrafted bowls will serve as a tangible reminder of the generosity and creativity of the community.

“It’s so cool to do what I love,” Wyatt says, “and know that it will ultimately feed someone.”

Get your tickets to Empty Bowls here!