About Us
I have never forgotten seeing some native pottery in northern India as a
child of six. A lifelong interest in art and pottery and a lot of credits in art
history in college provided some background. It wasn't until 1972, in my early
thirties, a couple of lessons at a local pottery shop triggered a compulsion to
learn to throw on a potter's wheel. Self taught from there, what became a hobby,
evolved over the years into an avocation and finally in 1987 into a profession.
While I admire pottery and ceramic art forms of almost every type, I find myself
most drawn to the unaffected, simple forms and decorations of folk pottery,
regardless of the culture. In the case of my work, this has developed into pots
that have simple lines, sturdy construction to survive daily use and strong
colors suitable for a variety of contemporary decorating palettes.
From left to right, that’s Red, our beloved Chessie; Natica, wife, animal
husband and head glazer; and Cliff, artistic director, founder. My brother,
Jeff, snapped this a couple years ago. We really like it. Those rocks behind us
are part of the foundation of the original 150 year old barn on the farm. It
burned 30 years ago and a modern one was built on the same base. We bought it in
’98, did a huge remodeling to convert it from cow to potter use. One entire
interior wall of the studio is the original stacked field stone of the original
foundation. Two and a half levels high, with 1500 square feet per level, it
wonderfully supports all our pottery interests and many more. Our farm is of 40
acres on a side hill with a wonderful view. We have crop lands, woods, horse
trails and plenty of domestic and wild critters. The old farm house, with a
little remodeling, is roomy and comfortable and only a few steps from the
studio.
