Biography

Adrian Sandstrom was born and raised on a farm in rural Iowa, just outside of Fort Dodge.  His first introduction to ceramics, specifically the throwing wheel, came during an art class in his junior year of high school.  "I was immediately fascinated with the wheel, in particular the way my art teacher, Mr. Palmer, would transform a shapeless, sort of useless piece of clay into a perfect form- a bowl- in movements that seemed completely effortless."

Adrian was hooked, but attended Buena Vista University as a pre-chiropractic student, without any intentions of stepping foot inside an art building.  He found himself struggling through all of his biology classes, especially anatomy.  His advisor at school suggested he look at other areas of study and the rest is history.  Adrian began adding various art classes to his schedule and was soon taken under the wing of Mac Hornecker and Dennis Dykema, two art professors at Buena Vista.  He excelled in his studies and began the life of a college art student, spending endless hours in the studio and on-campus ceramics house.

Sandstrom reminisces, "At that point, I was completely intrigued and fascinated with the world of ceramics.  I knew there was no other option than commit my life to clay."

Adrian graduated in 2002 with a BA in Art.  Looking to further his ceramic education, moved to Asheville, North Carolina, to apprentice with Buena Vista University alumnus and master potter Hank Goodman.

"My experience with Hank was amazing.  He taught me all of the imperative business aspects of ceramics and expanded my knowledge and skill level.  Working under Hank was a lot of fun and one of the greatest experiences I could have asked for."