About Me
I am a utilitarian potter. My goal is to create pots that are visually pleasing and unique in character, but also useful in everyday life. I enjoy making serving pieces and tableware that bring delight to the daily activity of eating, setting a table, and enjoying a meal.
I was born in upstate New York and moved to South Carolina in my late teens. I spent many childhood weekends observing and participating in the traditions of my paternal Italian-American family. Among the most prevalent was the preparation of elaborate meals. I observed how tableware and the type of serving pieces were as important as the planning, preparation, and enjoyment of a meal. This served as the foundation for my interest in utilitarian pottery and my love of creating elaborate surfaces and forms.
I earned my BFA in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, then completed a BFA and MFA in Ceramics at East Carolina University. I have been teaching since finishing graduate school in 1999, along with maintaining a studio. I began my teaching at East Carolina University, then moved to Charlotte in 2001, where I continued to teach at Clayworks, York Technical College, Winthrop University, Gaston Day School, and Gaston College. I currently teach at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. My focus of teaching has always been ceramics and Art History/Art Appreciation. Whether I am teaching a curriculum course or class at an art center, my focus is always on whatever individual feedback each student needs and all the knowledge I can provide to advance their love for the material.
I have been the recipient of four North Carolina Artist grants and have participated in many juried and invitational shows around the United States. In 2011, I, along with four other potters in the Charlotte area, established a group called Thrown Together. We are now a group of seven well-established potters who have sales twice a year and invite guests to join us. I sell my work in galleries along the East Coast and participate in various juried fine craft shows in North Carolina.
I live in Gastonia, North Carolina, where I split my time between teaching and working as a studio potter. I enjoy gardening, music, spending time with my family and animals, and feel extremely fortunate to be making a living doing what I love.
Thank you for visiting my page!
Jennifer