I am a ceramics teacher at Trumbull High School, Trumbull, CT. As a practicing wood-fire potter, I include both my students and fellow potters in the processes that encircle my clay works. I fire a type of kiln that is called an anagama. This is a type of kiln that employs wood as fuel; gasifying wood in order to reach temperatures in excess of 2400 degrees F. The kiln’s atmosphere, temperatures and melted fly-ash produces colorations found exclusively in wood-fired ceramics. My students benefit from being exposed to an ancient process that has found a home among contemporary potters.
About Trevor E. Youngberg
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Marlys, daughter, Lynnea, and son, Soren, are four distinct personalities that have varying interests. Marlys love flowers, chocolate and travel. Lynnea is a creative writer and book worm. Soren is way into commercial airliners.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love that I can share my passion for creativity in clay while practicing my craft. Many layers of benefit to all of the processes involved.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Input equals output even if the response time may be different that expected. It’s a cliche’ but do what you love and stick to it. Keep your head down and your nose to the grindstone.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In ten years, I’d like to think I’ll be wrapping up my high school teaching career and moving on to establishing a clay school of some sort.
Trevor E. Youngberg & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We’re big on Texas Roadhouse and Ernie’s Pizza.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
20 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Bun Lai, former owner of Mia’s Sushi Restaurant in New Haven. He’s now operating a sustainable dinner group that forages and prepares plants that surround us!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dip Top as a high schooler.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The blend of rural and suburban landscape.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d like to meet Gary Bartz, he’s a jazz musician and I can’t get enough of his music.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Last Kingdom on Netflix
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Part of me is an introvert, I cherish quietude.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My kids in the classroom this semester.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
peace, love and security
