Who would have guessed that over 10 years later, I would find myself in an apprenticeship position with North Carolina potter, Rob Withrow, of Smoke in the Mountains Pottery? You may remember an earlier post I wrote about face mugs and Rob; this is how my interest in clay began. I love Rob’s style and work; it is so beautiful and functional at the same time. Looking at clay from a folk art perspective as opposed to a fine art perspective is incredibly different.

The wood fire kiln at Smoke in the Mountains

Rob makes face jugs, which are a signature product of many north Georgia and western North Carolina potters. Rob is known for his really tall face jugs, some measuring out at over 6 feet! Rob makes everything from beautiful bowls, to steins, to goblets, to plates, to mugs, to life-sized piggy banks (plus anything else you can make out of clay I surmise). I fell in love with his big bowls at the folk school dining hall; they are used to serve soup to eight people. Like so many other crafts I learned at the JCCFS, I love the idea that I could make my own plate set, or lasagna dish, or incense holder.

Blue Bowl

Steins

So here I go, ready to delve into the world of clay. Instead of the clay feeling like a burden or a chore, I feel like the possibilities are endless! Thanks to Rob and Julie for inspiring me! I can’t wait to get started…