1988 -- First saw pottery thrown on a wheel in Cambridge Wisconsin, home to his great-aunt & uncle, and Row Pottery Works

1995-1999 -- Studied pottery at Lakeside High School in Seattle, WA under Edward Pincus

Summer 1999 -- Attended summer course taught by Takashi Nakazato and Doug Casebeer at the Anderson Ranch

Fall 2001 -- Studied Japanese at Stanford’s Kyoto Center for Japanese Studies.  Visited pottery towns throughout Japan

Winter 2001-2002 -- Assisted Kato Takahiko.  Fired Anagama wood kiln in Shigaraki, Japan

2002 -- Apprenticed with 13th generation potter and nominated Living National Treasure, Takashi Nakazato, at his studio Ryutagama in Karatsu, Japan

2003 -- Awarded Arts Grant from Stanford’s Associated Students of Stanford University.  "Pottery Inspired by Japan" exhibit at Stanford University.  Fired ceramics in Montara, CA, with local potter Nancy Quickert

2004 -- Exhibited Ceramics at Kobo Gallery, Seattle, WA

2009 -- Fired ceramics in Montara, CA, with local potter Nancy Quickert

2010 -- Fired noborigama wood kiln in Ukiah, CA, with Doug Browe.


Ben currently produces ceramics in his home studio in San Francisco.  Ben also works to support renewable energy project development.