Elizabeth Priddy on wed 13 jul 05
I got this very nice letter offlist the other day and I asked if I could just share it with the list.
It is from Kim Ellington, a Catawba Valley potter, who very nicely set me staight on
the "rocks with holes punched..." story. I heard it in Seagrove and mistakenly attributed
it in the wrong direction. Don't flame me Georgia potters. It is just a story.
"I must inform you there are two Mint Museums in Charlotte. One is the Craft and Design Center downtown and the other is the art museum on Randolph road. It is the art museum that has the collection of NC pottery.
... Now to get to the point. You made mention of the Seagrove potters considering Catawba Valley pottery as "holes punched in rocks". As I am one of the very few Catawba Valley potters I take offense. I know many potters in Seagrove and have high regard for their work. I seriously doubt any of them would make such a comment. As a matter of fact that comment is usually reserved for the Georgia potters. I believe you have your stories mixed up. The Catawba Valley is known for turning large, light weight pots....[and regarding writing in to Clayart]
I haven't the time nor fortitude to set them straight. Catawba Valley pottery is the last holdout of the old way of making (stoneware) pots in the country and I don't appreciate mis-information. I suggest you check out the upcoming "Potter's Eye" exhibit at the NC Museum of Art this November. You will see what I am talking about. "
and in a later exchange....
"... You may use whatever I say however
you wish, although the reference to the Georgia potters is a little unkind
that's the way the story goes. There is a competitive undercurrent between
the different pottery areas that has gone on for years. You mentioned Nell
Cole being an influence. I have a story you may find interesting, gives you
an idea of the differences between the pottery regions. I learned my way of
making pots from Burlon Craig who was the last American folk potter. I
asked him once if he had ever been to Seagrove. He said yes and when he was
there it was the first time he had ever seen a woman turn a pot, it was Nell
Cole. He didn't care much for their "fancy" ware, too "touristy" for him.
The Catawba Valley was never a part of any significant tourist trade. There
have been very few concessions to moderninity. There is an attitude of
perseverance here, the public can like it or leave it. The rules and
opinions of the modern "studio pottery" movement have no merit here
whatsoever. We eat studio potters for breakfast. I started out as a studio
potter but got over it.
As for the turning thing. The potters wheel has always-at least since
late 1800's- been called a "lathe" (lay) in these parts. And you "turn" a
pot on a lay. Academically trained potters know nothing of this. Why?
That's a whole nother story. Just think of it this way... You know the song
"with every season, turn turn turn." ? The Byrds made it popular long ago.
It is a metaphor for the cycles of life, etc. Things go around. Now how
would it sound to sing "with every season, throw throw throw". Not quite as
poetic eh? I know someone from the academic world immediately when they use
what I consider an inaccurate and crude description. Southerners have
always been a bit more poetic in their vocabulary. So I can't go on.
Things to do. "
Now this is a man worth listening too. A fine person and a fine potter.
You can see his work online at
http://kimellingtonpottery.com/
You never know who is lurking. That is why you should be judicious about
what you say. And I try, but Lord knows trying is sometimes just not
good enough.
Sorry about the Georgia potter story Jon. You are really cool in my book.
E
Elizabeth Priddy
252-504-2622
1273 Hwy 101
Beaufort, NC 28516
http://www.elizabethpriddy.com
*If you are an extra-sensitive
or easily-offended type:
Remember that what I say is obviously
just my opinion based on my experiences
and that I, like most people, don't go around
intending to step on toes and make folks cry.
Take it with a grain of salt.
---------------------------------
Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
Helen Bates on thu 14 jul 05
Dear Elizabeth,
Thanks for the information about Kim Ellington and Catawba Pottery
http://kimellingtonpottery.com/ . What beautiful work!
I have written to Bill Amsterlaw, who maintains the
http://amsterlaw.com/clayart.html page showing Clayarters' urls (and photos,
in many cases), and suggested he include Kim as an "honorary" Clayarter,
since evidently he does read the posts, though he doesn't send mail directly
to the list.
Eventually, I'll look for other material on Catawba pottery, and send
anything of interest to the List in one of my "Surfing" posts.
Regards, and give the baby a hug from me. :)
Helen
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