Like any creative project, pottery is a reflection of the artist. In many ways, all of their thoughts and emotions can be seen in either the pottery itself or in the environment within the shop. An individual's inspiration may come from nature, daily experiences or from a long line of tradition. It seems natural for pottery to be designed with a simplistic and purposeful feeling, but in the more recent years, potters have opted for innovative and experimental designs. Regardless of what the pottery looks like, it can all be found within an extremely small town, Seagrove, N.C., referred to as the pottery capital of the United State. (1)

With a population of 253 people and with over 60 local potters, it is safe to say that there is little activity outside of the pottery world in the community. Most of the present potters come from a line of sixth or seventh generation potters and many of the original kilns and wood sheds remain as testaments of the past.

As much as the pottery is taken from the past, it is equally present and respected in our world today. A fifth-generation potter, Sid Luck, showcased his work in the 1995 exhibit of American ceramics at the Smithsonian Institution. (2) Another notable potter, Ben Owen III, comes from a long line of innovative family members who practiced Asian designs and glazes. Today, Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor are two of the many international collectors of the Owen pottery.

The theme between the old and new is an ongoing process. Some might view it as a tension and others might enjoy the new inspirations from the young potters. But regardless of what outsiders believe, the Seagrove community finds a way of combining the ageless past with the creativeness of the future.

NOTES:

(1) "Art Treasures Out of Carolina Clay," Business Week, 16 October 2000, p. 200 (E). Also Available [Online]: Expanded Academic ASAP [Accessed 5 February 2002].
(2) Morrison, Jim, "Fired with Finesse," Smithsonian, 1 October 1998, p.108 (1). Also Available [Online]: Expanded Academic ASAP [Accessed: 5 February 2002].

Web Sites for Additional Information:

Title of Web page: Seagrove Pottery
Web address:www.seagrove-pottery.com
Brief Description: The web page advertises four particular potteries: Turn & Burn, Nicholas, Cagle Road and Lufkin. It is organized with direct links to the individual potteries' web site, which then provides pictures, prices and order forms for pottery. The site also informs of upcoming events and directions to the potteries.
Source of Web site: F&M Marketing Inc.

Title of Web page: Ben Owen Pottery
Web address: www.benowenpottery.com
Brief Description: With the help of pictures, the web page describes the pottery-making process, the history of the family-owned business and the types of pieces created. It also takes audience members on a visual tour of the Owen workshops and storerooms.
Source of Web site: n2clay.com

Title of Web page: North Carolina Pottery Center
Web address: www.ncpotterycenter.com
Brief Description: The purpose of the web page is to promote public awareness and respect of the history, processes and tradition associated with pottery making in North Carolina. The site explains the ways in which the center practices and educates others of the organization's mission.
Source of Web site: White Oak Artworks