I fell in love with clay five decades ago and continue my love affair with this earthy material. As a studio potter and occasional teaching artist I have experimented with all kinds of clays from earthenware to stoneware and even local New Hampshire clays. My work is functional, decorative, and sculptural. In the beginning, I was fascinated with ceramic objects that could be used for food or flowers. Loving to cook and garden, my creative challenge was to make vessels that would compliment or add beauty to a meal or a bouquet. I continue to pursue this challenge. My inspiration for sculptural objects is found at the ocean or in the woods. These sculptures don’t replicate the actual creatures or plants I see, but rather their textures or forms.

Clay has unlimited possibilities in form, function, surface and color and I hope to continue my exploration endlessly. The process can be simple or complex, but one aspect is the willingness and acceptance of the kiln’s influence on my pieces. I built my brick gas fired kiln which I fire to 2350 degrees F. It requires attention and alterations to the atmosphere within the chamber throughout the 16 hour firing. I have had both terrific and terrible firings. I mix my own glazes and dip, pour, paint or spray a variety of stoneware glazes onto the ceramic forms or pots. Being a potter and working with earth, air, water and fire has taught me many life lessons; especially that of letting go.

Throughout my career, many tile installations have offered me the opportunity to methodically work and develop tiles for a specific space or theme. I am honored to have permanent pieces in some public state buildings in NH, through the Percent for Art program within the NH State Council on the Arts. I have also participated as a resident artist in NH public schools with students of all ages to make tiles for installations in their schools. For many years, I exhibited at the League of NH Craftsmen’s annual fair. Currently, I’m loving working with the community of potters in the NH Potters Guild and participating in their wood kiln firings. The warmth of color and flash of wood ash on the pots is not only beautiful but always a surprise!

I have had a dozen incredible experiences with talented and spirited clay teaching artists at North Country Studio Workshops and look forward to the next series of workshops in January 2023. The community of craftspeople and artists that gather for 13 multi-media workshops is as close to utopia that I have ever been.

By Teresa Taylor, NCSW Planning Committee Member
My Salty Dog Pottery studio and shop is in Barnstead, NH.
www.saltydogpottery.com