Erik Mallory

In the early years of his life, Erik was diagnosed with Spinocerabellar Ataxia (ATLD1). In 2017, he met and hired Rachael as his personal caregiver. Rachael’s lust for life quickly wore it’s way into Erik’s heart, and with her encouragement and guidance they attended a ceramics class together at American River College.

Through trial (and much error) of various techniques for Erik to use, they found one that not only worked well for both artists, but also created beautiful, unique and functional works of art.

Not long after, Fondle These Bowls was born. The inspiration for the name came from a friend who pointed out how tactile the bowls are, due to the textures of the bowls (created by using repurposed women’s shirts) and covered fully by glaze. Their bowls are constructed using a clay that is close in structure to porcelain, using the slump mold technique. Instead of the clay being thrown on a wheel, the clay is rolled out into flat, (called a slab) then carefully placed on top of the mold, sandwiched between two pieces of fabric that create the textures of each bowl.

Now, in their garage-based studio, they work to expand their body of art…no longer employee and employer, but partners. Erik and Rachael’s long term goals are to slowly expand the business until FTB is the largest employer of the differently abled, where people of every skill level and ability can find a place. Where they are given an opportunity to be a part of a team, to be valued for how they can contribute and feel a sense of pride at the end of a workday. Not just employees, but part of the FTB team and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.