Bill Aitlen was born in Denver, Colorado in 1940.  After graduating from Fort Lewis College in Durango with a B.A. in History, Bill then received a B.F.A. from the University of Arizona in Sculpture and Art History.  He worked for a number of years as a sculptor, painter and printmaker before discovering clay and the art of making poittery on the wheel.  He has been a full-time potter since 1978.

Bill Aitken's pottery is made from high fired stoneware and porcelain.  It is led free and ddishwasher and microwave safe.  The mountain design is created by hand vbrushing wax over several underglaze applications.  The design therefore appears in relief where the wax is applied.  The dark color of the design is a natural slip glaze that Bill digs fron a lake bed hing in the Colorado Rockies.  

Bill enjoys the challenge of creating ware that is both functional and original in its decorative form.  Each piece is hand thrown on the potter's wheel and hand decorated.  With the San Juan Range, as viewed fron his property, is a constant source of inspiration for his pots.