The signature Black Oak coffee mug originated from Jonathan's desire to create something both beautiful and functional. What started as a small venture soon grew into a business that is now Texas’s premier manufacturer of handmade ceramics.
About Us
Your Trusted Handcrafted Pottery Supplier
Black Oak Art is a pottery studio in Waco, Texas, built on the love of the craft and our community. We create handcrafted ceramics with equal parts beauty and purpose, from our iconic custom mugs to bespoke pieces designed to stand out in your home or showcase your brand. Every piece passes through the hands of several skilled artisans, each adding skill, detail, and character that can’t be replicated by machines. Over the years, we’ve mastered the art of hand-thrown pottery that carries meaning, sparks connection, and leaves a lasting impression. This is where clay becomes a story - step in and see it come to life.
Our Expertise: Hand Crafted Ceramics
At Black Oak Art, we make a wide range of handmade ceramics, but we never lose sight of the craft itself. Even though we create pottery at a volume that could be mass-produced, we refuse to trade artistry for efficiency. Every mug, bowl, and vessel is shaped and refined by skilled hands, preserving the movement of the clay and the integrity of the craft. The result is work that feels distinctive and unmistakably handmade.
Our Story: From Garage Kiln to Signature Mugs
Black Oak Art began in 2013 with a single kiln in a garage and a simple idea—make custom ceramic mugs that people would actually love to use. What started small has grown into a thriving pottery studio with more than 20 local artisans and students bringing their talent to the table. Our founder, Jonathan Martin, discovered his passion for clay back in high school, went on to study Studio Art at Baylor, and eventually left both teaching and a short stint in Silicon Valley to pursue pottery full-time. Today, our hand-thrown mugs have become a recognizable part of daily life, carrying logos for Café Du Monde, Pine Cove Summer Camps, and Magnolia Market with Chip and Joanna Gaines.
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Our passion lies in collaborating with clients like Joanna Gaines from Magnolia to create the perfect mug, or head chef Cory from Milo to develop restaurant quality dishware that aligns with their aesthetics. Despite the increase in production volume, Black Oak Art remains committed to the handmade process, fostering a community of artists dedicated to perfecting their craft.
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Let us be your choice for the perfect handmade ceramics customized for your business or home. As your trusted handcrafted pottery supplier, we invite you to explore our diverse offerings. Experience the beauty of handcrafted ceramics and the dedication of our community of artists as we bring your vision to life, one unique piece at a time.