About the Maker

Hello, I'm Paul Martin, the maker behind Peak & Mantle Ceramics. My journey to clay wasn't a straight line, but I'm grateful for where it's led me.

How I Got Started

Born and raised in Montana, I moved to Missoula for college and went down a path in IT, specializing in cybersecurity. While I had success, something was missing. There's a quote from Chris Williamson that captures this feeling well: "We sacrifice the thing we want (happiness) for the thing which is supposed to get it (success)." I had the success, but I felt disconnected.

So, I sold my house, bought a van, and traveled around the western US for a few years trying to find a deeper connection and purpose. After 18 months of traveling and working remotely, I'd learned a lot about myself, but I was also feeling disconnected from community and less grounded.

I decided to go back to a more "normal" life, but this time with deliberate choices—where to live, what to do, who to be. My travels made me attracted to lake towns near ski areas, with the added criteria that I be close enough to drive home to see my family (about 8 hours max). This narrowed my options to Whitefish, Sandpoint, or McCall. By a cast of fate, Sandpoint became home, and I have no doubt it was the right decision. I love the community, the pace, and the surrounding area. I want to help maintain the unique character and charm I found here. I'm trying to embody being "one of Sandpoint's biggest fans and stewards".

When I settled in, I took a sabbatical from IT. Not wanting to be stagnant, I put myself out there to try new things. One of those was a 6-week pottery class from Sandpoint Ceramics. I tried the handbuilding course first but quickly knew that my engineering (and a bit perfectionist) mind was more suited to throwing on a wheel. I took the intro wheel class from Jamie and took to it quickly.

My inspirations include Jamie from Sandpoint Ceramics, Florian Gadsby, Blake from Key and Kiln, and the other amazing members of the ceramic community here in Sandpoint. However, my deepest inspiration comes from my mother, who was a ceramicist for many years. Just as I began my first classes, she decided to hang up her apron and retire from the craft, gifting me her collection of tools to get me started. I have many of her pieces in my home and aspire to craft pieces that hold the same warmth and generosity she put into hers.

What 'Peak & Mantle' Means

The name "Peak & Mantle" is personal (and matches my initials). In my life, I've summited both literal and figurative peaks - climbing the corporate ladder, summiting Mount Rainier, running an ultramarathon, and many more. I find that I'm always striving to reach the peak, holding myself to high standards. But at the same time, I need to maintain a grounded connection to the earth (the mantle), to my community and myself. This brand is the expression of that balance.

My background in cybersecurity taught me that systems should be robust, secure, and intentional. I apply that same engineering mindset to my ceramics—testing glazes for durability, refining rims for the perfect sip, and building a digital experience that respects your time and eliminates the guesswork of buying online.

My Studio & Process

Currently, I throw at the Sandpoint Ceramics member studio. I am a minimalist by nature, so I try and keep my toolset to the basics: a straight metal rib, a curved soft rib, a needle tool, and some standard carving tools. I do use a mirror and throwing gauges to create consistent pieces that feel good to hold and use.

While I have my own kiln, I don't currently have the space to use it. I'm looking forward to moving towards that in the near future and building my own dedicated studio space.