Carolina Ceramics and Stoneware Spotlight

April 3, 2017

Carolina Ceramics and Stoneware Spotlight

The tradition of pottery has long been entrenched in the culture of the Carolinas. The Carolina potters of today maintain on a legacy of unique craftsmanship and diverse pottery techniques that have carried on for centuries. Community-focused thinking and interest in local community values have recently resurged in North Carolina. As a result, the state has seen a renaissance of handmade stoneware and ceramic art. Tin Roof Teas hopes to shine the spotlight on a few of North Carolina’s local artisans, featuring potters that instill their work with both creative and practical value.

From the Ground Up
Based in Seagrove, From the Ground Up produces high-quality stoneware and wheel-thrown pottery. The artist, Michael Mahan, fuses practical design with rustic aesthetics. Much of Mahan’s work features beautiful handmade glazes and local clays. Whimsical visual appeal and sophisticated shapes are a theme in much of Mahan’s work. This artistic flare extends to his tableware and other functional pottery pieces. Mahan ensures all of his tableware pieces are oven and dishwasher-safe, making them durable enough to withstand regular use.

Dirtworks Pottery
Dirtworks Pottery showcases the work of award-winning North Carolina potter Dan Triece and his nephew Ben Vanpelt. Dirtworks Pottery produces handmade pieces that are visually striking, each with unique detailing and coloration. No piece looks exactly alike. Drawing upon its namesake, Dirtworks Pottery produces designs that mimic the earthy, organic shapes and colors that occur in nature. All tableware pieces are microwave, dishwasher, and oven safeā€”Fine art, but functional!

Doe Ridge Pottery
Locally owned and operated by Bob Meier, Doe Ridge is a pottery gallery based out of Boone, North Carolina. Doe Ridge specializes in contemporary design, boasting a strong portfolio of decorative pottery and functional pieces. The varied styles and aesthetics featured within the Doe Ridge pottery line come from the 18 local artists that make up the team, each artist bringing their own personal touch and design sense. Stoneware pieces produced by Doe Ridge Pottery often convey attractive, geometric proportions and charming patterns. The tableware pieces are safe for the microwave, dishwasher, and oven.