Artist spotlight
The Wheels Just Keep On Turning at Dusty Road Pottery
by wib middleton
What energetic tethers draw us into and connect us to a work of art ? Is it the colors , the textures , or maybe a fond memory that creates some deep resonance ? In the realm of artisan created pieces that stand on their own artistic merit yet also serve a useful function , like a beautiful ceramic bowl , something special comes into play .
“ If you have a piece of handmade pottery in your home and you ’ re using it , and especially if you know the artist who made it , it ’ s so much more meaningful than one that was manufactured . Something created by an artist who put a lot of thought into the design , does hopefully elevate your experience ,” says Jennifer Hamilton of Dusty Road Pottery . “ I make functional pieces but I want them to stand alone as an object of interest . For example , a handcrafted piece , such as a mug or serving dish , after having performed its job and sitting alone on a table , should still be interesting enough to convey an intrinsic value .”
Jennifer was smitten by the pottery wheel at an early age . “ I took my first pottery class at Glen Echo Park . I sat down at the wheel , and I can remember the teacher putting his hands on top of my hands after bumbling around a bit . The clay became centered and it was just that Ah-ha moment that you think ... I just got it !”
It would be some years later when Jennifer reclaimed that initial thrill as a full-time artist specializing in hand built stoneware . After exploring various art forms in college she chose to pursue a
16 plenty I spring sowing 2023