My interest in ceramics began in my late twenties while on a camping vacation in West Virginia. I met an elderly woman who sold her work at the park lodge. She used clay she dug from a creek near her home, earning her the nick name of “Muddy Boots.” Talking with her led me to take my first pottery lessons in Dayton, Ohio. I knew I had found my medium.

Life and career intervened, so it was not until 30 years later with retirement approaching that I was free to resume my interest in pottery. Now pottery is my inspired passion, creating form and color in unique and unexpected ways. I never thought that I could create art; I don’t sing, play music, paint nor do I write poetry. Now I am easily lost for hours in the creative process of making beautiful pottery.

My work encompasses functional and decorative pottery for the home and garden. I produce large and small bowls, plates, vases, lidded jars, lamps, bottles and of course mugs. However, I also have fused two aspects of arts and crafts by producing pottery to which coiled pine needles are attached. In addition I create horsehair and feather raku pieces.

I draw inspiration from my encounters with nature as I garden, hike and kayak. I create wheel thrown, slab built and altered ceramic pieces. My work is always evolving.

My work is on display at Black Bird Frame and Gallery in Asheville, NC and in the Blue Moon Gallery in Brevard, NC.

KathyMackPottery.com