Meet the Potter

Years ago, while our children were still young, I had the opportunity to observe a professional potter in action while visiting Yellowstone.  I watched in amazement as he skillfully transformed a lump of clay into a mug, and then another into a plate.  His finished work was very beautiful.  I bought a small mug, all I could afford at the time, as a reminder and an inspiration. 

Eventually that inspiration led to classes, workshops, and most importantly, other potters and artists.  Although it was a long time before I could call myself an artist, I discovered in pottery a passion and a way to express that passion.   It truly is a joy to create vessels for others to use in their homes, whether a mug for coffee in the morning, a quiche pan, or a vase to hold fresh or dried flowers. 

I find inspiration everywhere around me and that pushes me to create.  The rich shapes, colors, and textures seen in flowers, trees, dragonflies, and other creatures, even the earth itself, find expression in my work. 

Although I prefer to throw the majority of my pots on the potter's wheel, I often alter the finished form using a variety of methods, such as adding handles and carving or impressing designs into the clay as it is drying.  My assistants, an extruder and slab roller, are a great help in hand-building clay projects, particularly woven baskets.  "Yes, they are just as hard to do as they look," I tell folks who give me that questioning look.  No matter how my pots are constructed, careful attention is given to each step in the process. 

Glazing and firing is another place to express creativity.  Many of my glazes are custom-made from minerals from the earth  ̶  for dinnerware, always lead-free ware.  Kiln firing is the norm for functional ware, but exciting alternatives include saggar and pit firing, both of which may yield wonderful, earthy colors and unusual surprises in the morning when we open the pit. 

For me, pottery is about discovering and creating, trying different techniques, glazes, firings.  Finding what works and what doesn't.  Accepting challenges, solving problems, and growing from them.  It's about the encouragement and inspiration I gain from my fellow artists and from you who "adopt" my pots.  My hope is that you will give them a good homes and that they will be used and loved and bring enrichment to your life, as they have to mine as I have invested my time and energy in them.  If you look closely, you will find my fingerprints on every piece--promise! 
 

Merrilyn Reeves Passions:  Husband Waverley, Children, and Grandchildren Artistic endeavors:  Pottery, lampworking, fused glass, fine silver Interests:  Natural foods, quilting and handcrafts, moms and babies, EMS, Bible study, our black Labs Rosie and Sasha