Patrick Johnston, Hugged and Loved [Venice Art Walk 2025]

Hugged & Loved 44, 2025

Porcelaine Vessel
21 x 9 x 9 inches

Signed, Titled, Dated
On the reverse

Est. $ 4,800-6,800

Patrick Johnston knew at the age of six that ceramics would be his life. "One day in kindergarten, we made clay handprints. After the teacher cut a circle in the clay around my hand, I asked if I could have the corner scraps. "I stepped out on to the playground and was overwhelmed with joy and possibilities! I remember seeing the clay squish in between my fingers, and for the first time in my life, I felt alive." Since Johnston's epiphany, he has earned a degree in ceramic design from the Rhode Island School of Design. Patrick creates design-driven custom pieces, works with restaurants and hotels across the country and teaches class at the studio he owns with his partner, Sam Savoia, the Temple of Mediclaytion in Venice Beach, CA.
Although Patrick has been hugging pots for decades, it was not until fairly recently that he realized that he could provide a profound experience and the beautiful impact of capturing that moment for others. This concept has resonated, with people coming from all over the world to feel the moment, frozen from the embrace of a couple, a family, friends and individuals alike.

Image Courtesy of Jens Lucking