THE ARTIST 

Justin McKenney is a ceramic artist best known for his handmade lobster buoys—vibrant, coastal-inspired works that celebrate the traditions of New England’s maritime culture. Raised in the seaside town of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Justin grew up surrounded by the colorful buoys scattered throughout Salem Sound and Marblehead Harbor. Each buoy, with its own distinct color pattern and markings, told the story of the fishermen who set them. These visual rhythms of coastal life became the foundation of his creative inspiration.

 

Justin studied at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, where he earned his BFA in Glass and Ceramics. His formal training deepened both his technical skill and his appreciation for functional, sculptural craft.

 

For the past fifteen years, Justin has owned and operated Vegetabowls, an artisan pottery studio specializing in handmade functional ceramics molded from real fruits and vegetables. The studio continues to thrive, maintaining its mission to celebrate the beauty of natural forms through everyday objects.

 

With a lifelong love for the ocean and coastal artwork, Justin launched North Shore Buoys, bringing his buoy-inspired ceramic sculptures to collectors, coastal homeowners, and anyone drawn to nautical design. Each buoy is individually handcrafted, painted, and finished in unique colorways—whether created as a personal art piece or designed to honor a family’s lobstering heritage.

 

Justin currently lives in Sarasota, Florida. When he’s not in the studio, he enjoys boating, traveling, and experiencing live music. He works closely with clients to create custom buoy sets, helping them bring meaningful coastal stories to life through handcrafted ceramic art.