“Do you think you can go for three days without working?” That was the question that I hesitantly answered “yes” to, knowing how busy I would be in October. Yet I acquiesced for a long surprise weekend. I wasn’t disappointed and although I didn’t put my hands in any wet clay or glaze I still did some work (sshh, don’t tell): I became further inspired. We went to Asheville.

Jonas Gerard Inspired Bowl

For my readers that are not familiar with the area, Asheville is a very cool city situated in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Wherever one looks in Asheville it is easy to find signs that quality of life is important to the residents and the people who built the city. I noticed a high population of Prius drivers and a low population of chain stores & fast food franchises. I did see many restaurant menus that offered local, organic food. Portland, OR is the only other city I’ve been to where organic food choices are so prevalent. I saw lots of bumper stickers promoting biodiesel and local farms.
Asheville is also known for its arts district. As the home of Highwater Clays one would expect a large number of ceramicists but it boasts many artists of all media and is very well known for its music scene. We spent most of the day on Saturday exploring the River Arts District. This is an area where artists have reclaimed old warehouse & factory spaces for their studios and galleries. These are not highly finished galleries but places that remind us of their histories and that are build with a solidness that speaks of pride in craftsmanship. I was almost as enthralled looking at the red brick walls and imagining their stories as I was with looking at the artwork displayed on the walls. One of my favorite art spaces was Phil Mechanic Studios. This is a four-story warehouse, great for getting joyfully lost enjoying paintings, pottery, music and chicken launchers. Yes, chicken launchers. The chicken launcher is a really cool sculpture that speaks to issues like mass production and excess; I highly recommend seeing it. The studio space also has a wonderfully comfortable library. As it was a dull, cool, rainy day it was tempting to pick a good book off the shelf and just curl up. But we had more art to experience.
While we were there I had to go to Highwater Clay just to poke around. They have a huge showroom with lots of toys for potters and a great selection of books, though I was annoyed at the number of books wrapped in plastic so shoppers can’t leaf through them and determine whether they want to spend $25 – $50. After all, even Amazon lets you read a few pages before deciding to purchase.
I did buy a few items and while I was checking out they got all excited that I live in Atlanta. “Do you know we have a distributor there?” I told them I shop at Atlanta Clay frequently. It was nice to know that the person checking me out knew enough about the company and cared enough to help me to support my local clay arts supply store.
It was very nice to see the work and work spaces of many of the potters who’s work I admire and who I’m friends with on Facebook. One of my favorite studios to visit was “The Potter’s Mark.” Eileen and Marty Black are very warm, welcoming and funny people. They let me poke around in the studio and talked to me about how crazy it is to work with copper red glaze. Marty was firing the gas kiln on Saturday and I regret not asking him if I could tag along on one of his trips outside to check on it. He is the kiln sitter and must check the kiln every 30 minutes while it is firing just to be certain that everything is functioning properly. Their passion for their work is evident in their attitudes and their art. I feel richer for having met them and for knowing that we are in the same community albeit many miles apart.
Of the painters I saw Jonas Gerard may have inspired me the most. He is very prolific because he paints to music and can produce quite a few vibrant, abstract works every week. We missed his demonstration but were still enthralled with his work. I went home and glazed a bowl based on the inspiration he provided.