Ceramic artist Michael Sherrill, who is primarily self-taught, found early inspiration and guidance with traditional potters in western North Carolina. He began by making pots in series and now produces realistic sculptures that depict the textures and movements of plants. Although he mostly works in clay, Sherrill also adds metal and glass elements to his works, if necessary mastering those techniques as well. Sherrill designs his own tools and, in 1995, started Mudtools as a business for other clay artists.