What does GTS stand for?
GTS came from our names, Greg, Tomiko and Sakura, our puppy!
(The S originally started as Sorrells, our last name, but we like Sakura better!)
Are all of your products hand made?
Yes, Tomiko and Greg make everything that we sell!
When did we start making ceramics?
We started making ceramics when we were living in Japan around 2004.
We picked it up again in America in 2018. We eventually found Higher Fire in San Jose. We quickly became members and started going almost daily.
How long does it take to make a piece?
It’s a very good question that doesn’t have one answer. It depends on the complexity of the piece and the glaze. It starts with measuring the raw clay, then wedging it. Next is throwing the general shape, followed by letting it dry. After that we trim it, then attach any handles or other attachments. It is dried fully and then fired for the first time. Next is glazing then firing the final time. Therefor it is difficult to answer the question.
Does GTS Ceramics have it’s own studio?
No we do not. We have wheels at home where we form the raw clay into pieces. Then they are brought to Higher Fire in San Jose to be fired and glazed. Someday we hope to have our own studio!
Can you make custom work?
Yes we can. Please send us an email at gtsceramics@gmail.com to get that started.
Where is GTS Ceramics based?
We throw most of the pieces in Campbell, and fire them in San Jose.
Do you teach ceramics?
Yes we do. The studio we belong to Higher Fire, is a teaching studio. We teach there from time to time. If we are not teaching at a time you can do it, Higher Fire has loads of other great teaches. We can’t recommend them enough. We love Higher Fire!
Are the ceramics food, microwave and dishwasher safe?
Yes, all of our pieces are food, microwave and dishwasher safe. Our products are fired to cone 10. That means that the ceramic is completely vitrified, in other words, it is fired to a temperature that causes the clay particles to be water tight. Therefore water and bacteria can’t get into the ceramic pieces.
GTS Ceramics 