For tens of thousands of years, potters have used their skills to create beautiful objects to serve the daily needs of their communities. Pottery sits at the intersection of art and function, providing a space for creativity and problem solving.
The practice of working with clay requires both physical and intellectual labor. On the wheel, throwing a vessel requires strength, coordination, and control. Additionally, potters engage in mathematics and chemistry within their practice: measuring proportions, understanding shrinkage, creating glazes, and controlling firing temperatures. It’s a craft that challenges both body and mind, and an immersive process from start to finish.
Pottery can also feel very spiritual. Ceramic vessels have historically been used to store the things we consume; oils, grains, water, etc. In this way, pottery becomes a part of daily nourishment. Clay, formed over thousands of years through the weathering of rocks, contains natural minerals from the earth. The artist takes this raw material and works it with their hands; wedging, rolling, pulling it into form. After this has been glazed and fired and makes its way into your home, you are consuming your nourishment out of material that has originated from the natural world.
Even after the piece is finished, subtle marks remain. This hint at the presence of a maker draws people to handmade pottery. When someone finds their new favorite mug, they are often responding to something intangible, some sense of character.
Barry Braun of Swallowtail Pottery is the maker of these particular objects. You are sure to find new favorite pieces to add to your kitchen. Braun’s pottery has a rustic feel to it, the blues and yellows seem almost representative of our emerging Michigan spring.
From mugs to pitchers, pans to herb strippers, Braun’s creations provide a space to connect with your daily processes, whether it’s baking a loaf of bread or just enjoying your morning coffee. As with all that is handmade, nothing is perfect, but that character is what makes each piece unique in its own way.
As you feel the weight of Braun’s mug as it is cradled in your hands, you’ll notice faint ridges swirling the inner walls of this vessel, hinting towards the tender and thoughtful creation of this piece. You can sit back into the comfort of knowing these pieces were made by someone who loves what they do, and that you have found a home for this piece, and it has found you.
Until next time,
Adrienne
