I have been involved in pottery now for about four years. I first became interested, when in my job; I travel North Carolina from the Coast to the Mountains and one day I happened to stop in at a pottery shop. I was taken away with pottery, as soon as I saw the many forms from cups to jugs. From that time on, I started stopping in at any shop that I ran across, in my travels. It was then, that I was hooked.
While being new to pottery, I saw it as art. Some of the first pieces I purchased were done so to decorate my home and as gifts for my wife. My wife, who is an avid collector of anything with North Carolina Lighthouses, was the reason for my very first purchase of pottery. I purchased a pie plate that had a lighthouse painted on it. I only saw it as art and not as functional. And most of the pieces I purchased afterward were also purchased as decorative pieces for our home. I looked at pottery as art.
As my interest in pottery grew I wanted to learn how to make pottery on my own. On one of my trips I visited a local pottery in Sanford, North Carolina, known as, "The Cole Pottery". While there, Neola Cole let me have a try at the wheel and I was hooked.
It was not long that I purchased a wheel and began practicing at home. I am by no means a professional yet, but I am on my way. And in doing so, I have also got my youngest son hooked. Though only starting at seven and been turning for about a year, he is well on his way to becoming an excellent turner.
Since getting hooked on pottery, I have met many potters and continue to learn from each of them. But one thing that has truly changed is my thoughts on the art of pottery. I have since come to the conclusion that pottery is truly art, but not just art, but art to be used. So not only do I use hand made cups, but also bowls and many other pieces as well.
I do not know your opinion of pottery. If you only see it as art, be forewarned, it is art meant to be used. And be warned, once you purchase your first piece, you may get hooked. Also don't be surprised if you get the pottery bug and begin playing in clay.
If you are interested in learning how to make pottery visit Wayne's web site http://www.TheSuccessfulPotter.com and get free tips on turning pottery.