How I got started
I have always loved and appreciated antique early American pottery. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, and there were always old crocks and jugs in and around the old houses and barns. Part of the appeal of old pottery is that you can still see evidence of the making of the pot in the finished item. I wondered about the people who had made these things, and whether they would ever have considered that someone in a hundred years down the road would appreciate it as art. I collected quite a number of old crocks, jugs, and pottery bottles.
At some point the idea entered my head that while collecting and appreciating these items was fun, wouldn’t it be cool if I could make something that someone else might appreciate? Even if it took a hundred years, maybe they would. So I decided to learn to make pottery myself. I decided to also try to make as much of my own equipment to make the pots as well. I obtained a used kiln online for $20 and got it working. I also built a pottery wheel out of scraps from around the farm, and with no lessons started throwing.
Like most every other potter, I started by making little mugs and bowls. Soon came little bottles then jugs, which were the real goal. Soon I began creating some very crude face jugs. I saw other potters selling face jugs on Ebay, and thought, “Why not?. Maybe this hobby can support itself.” So I put some up on Ebay, and was very gratified that most of them sold. Not for huge prices, but someone wanted to own them, and that’s great feeling.
Never being satisfied, I wanted to improve my skills and set myself apart from most of the other face jug makers. I try to have a somewhat more realistic aspect to my jugs, while still not having them look like exact copies of people–as though the person sort of turned to stone. That’s the idea, anyway. I always try for something new and better and different. It’s a continuing learning process.
Where we’re at today
At this point I’ve been doing this for 10 years. The original kiln is gone, worn out, and too old to repair. I have two to replace it. I also have an outdoor kiln for making raku. I make my own glazes, using local clay and ashes from the wood stove. The original wheel I made is now in storage because I built a bigger better one that makes it possible to throw standing up. I’m still selling on Ebay, and also I do private commissions.
I have to add here that if not for the wonderful people that purchase and keep my pottery, I would be really nowhere. Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.