Clayton William Liston

Clay Liston, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and master craftsman, passed away peacefully at his home in Roy Utah, surrounded by family and friends, on February 14, 2025. He was born December 17, 1965, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Son of William Lunt Liston and Gloria Glazier. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of scientific artistry, technical brilliance, and love that will forever inspire his family and the art community he transformed.

Clay was a devoted husband to LeAnn Peterson, with whom he shared countless adventures, including cherished trips to Hawaii. He was a proud and loving father to his daughters, Tracy Lynn Liston-Palmer and Kirstin Lee Chrisman, who will carry forward his spirit of ingenuity and warmth.

Clay was a titan of pottery, a master potter, glaze formulator and kiln builder, whose revolutionary glaze chemistry techniques and ceramic firing methods redefined the craft. His true genius lay in the science of glaze formulation—an intricate dance of chemistry that he conducted with an alchemist’s precision and the soul of an artist, he unlocked the secrets of color, texture, and durability, transforming raw materials into glazes that elevated his pottery—and that of countless others—into true masterpieces. He understood the molecular interplay of silica, alumina, and fluxes like potash or soda, manipulating their ratios to control melting points and viscosity. With an expert’s touch, he blended metallic oxides—copper for greens, cobalt for blues, iron for earthy reds—unlocking a kaleidoscope of colors that shimmered across his pottery. His techniques accounted for crystalline structures and thermal reactions, ensuring glazes flowed smooth or crackled with intention, each finish a testament to his mastery of chemical balance. With a rare blend of scientific rigor and creative intuition, he developed methods that turned glazes into living expressions of beauty—vibrant colors that danced in the light, textures that begged to be touched, and finishes that defied expectation. Paired with his command of firing methods—adjusting kiln atmospheres and temperatures to perfection—Clay turned raw clay into breathtaking masterpieces. Through his thriving business, spanning Utah and neighboring states, he became a cornerstone of the art community, supplying artists and schools with glazes that bore his signature brilliance and servicing kilns to keep their visions alive. His work didn’t just enhance pottery—it redefined it, leaving an enduring mark on studios and classrooms across the region. Every piece fired with his glazes reflects his legacy as a pioneer who married science to art with unparalleled skill.

His hands shaped not only clay but also the lives of those around him, leaving an indelible mark through his artistry and expertise. Beyond his extraordinary talent, Clay was a multifaceted artist whose brilliance shone bright in his creation of metal art, a craft where he forged beauty from raw steel, bronze, and iron. With a sculptor’s eye and a craftsman’s skill, he shaped metal into stunning works—intricate sculptures, functional pieces, and bold installations that captivated viewers with their strength and elegance. His hands wielded torches and hammers as deftly as brushes, bending and welding metal into forms that spoke of both power and grace.

Clay was a tinkerer at heart—whether fixing cars, solving puzzles, or perfecting his craft, he thrived on discovery, repairing anything that needed a skilled touch, or simply exploring how things worked, he found joy in the process. Everything Clay did in life was motivated by his love for life. Driven by a deep need to help others feel capable and successful, he would devote time, share his wealth of knowledge, and freely give of his talents to help you fix your problem, find your answers, and achieve your goals. He never took a moment for granted, time in the studio formulating glaze was no more important than time watching hummingbirds or snorkeling in Hawaii, in search of the illusive Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.

Yet nothing surpassed the joy he found in spending time with his family, creating memories that will endure for generations. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife LeAnn Peterson. Four children; Tracy Lynn Liston-Palmer (David Palmer), Kirstin Lee Chrisman, Jessi Thompson (Tony Nolen), Cody Thompson (Holly). Sisters; LaMinda Madenwald and Debra Lee Wilde. Brothers; Kelton Jay Liston and Steven Brady Liston. Nine grandchildren; Riley, Deven, Brody, Kade, Caleb, Madison, Shayla, Tayleigh, and Avery.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gloria Glazier and William Lunt Liston and beloved family members Ronald ‘Clem’ Peterson and Lynda Sue Heath Richards.

A memorial gathering will be on March 20, 2025, from 4pm to 6pm, at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah.

A Celebration of Life is being organized for a later date, at which we will fire Raku pottery and wear Hawaii prints.