Kate Johnston is a potter who has a studio in Seagrove, North Carolina. Kate’s pots are made with local materials, carved with organic patterns inspired by Art Deco design, and fired in a large wood-burning kiln.
Her Carving Process starts with a solid layer of slip on the still wet piece. She carves the border first and then the main pattern, slowly taking away the background and allowing the design to emerge. I love her boldness to create such large pots. This is not an easy process, no matter how easy she makes it look.
Below is a time-lapse of a large jar from construction through decoration from 2015. This is 3 days of work condensed into 1 minute.
This is beautiful and impressive work!
Because the piece is sitting on a wheel, I’m assuming you’re using the electric assist as you add coils. But maybe you’re working more like the traditional Native American way?
I’ll be interested to hear more. Thanks! Kathy
Kathy, Glad you enjoyed the video on my blog. Unfortunately, that is not me on the wheel. I, like you, admired Kate Johnston’s work.