Stoned Potter is the creative identity of Brooklyn-based ceramic artist, John Velez.

John was born in Brooklyn, but spent much of his childhood in Cali, Colombia before returning to the United States at the age of 10.

John’s passion for ceramics began in early 2020, more for practical reasons than any other: after the loss of his favorite glass piece, he set out to create a replacement with a little more durability, and style to match. With fond memories of sculpting as a child, he decided clay would be his medium of expression. From that first project sprang an extensive portfolio of ceramic pipes and bubblers that’s earned the trust of smokers all over New York.

“To create is one of our greatest gifts.”

It’s all quite personal for John. And he has lofty goals. “I want later civilizations to be able to dig up these pieces so they can see how we used to get down.” For now, he’s happy as long as he can inspire others to give their own artistic side some attention. “I see us as beings of light having a human experience, and to create is one of our greatest gifts.”

As for his own inspirations, he cites the people around him: his family and loved ones, his friends, and his cats. Other artists are big inspirations too, if not influences. “When I see other artists I started with stepping up their game, it moves me to push myself further.”

Everything listed on this website is proudly handmade in Brooklyn, New York.