A few years ago, I received a beautiful handmade platter as a gift. It's one of those things you never knew you needed, but it's so useful you don't know how you ever lived without it. Luckily, I kept the card that came with it that had the information about the artist (see? hoarding does pay off), and wouldn't you know it? The potter lives right here in North Carolina! His name is Dan Finch and his studio is called Finch's Pottery and Nursery. I decided a little day trip was in order 'cause Mama needs some more pottery.
The studio is located in a small town called Bailey, North Carolina, which is just a short drive from Raleigh and a really short drive from Rocky Mount. When I arrived at the studio, I drove up a long, dusty trail to what I imagined would be a quaint and charming little place. Much to my surprise, it's over 300 acres of land that includes a giant blueberry nursery and a non-profit workshop that builds homes for Bluebirds. But I didn't let what seemed to be millions of rows of blueberry bushes and the sweet birdhouses distract me from seeing (and shopping) at the heart of it all --the pottery studio. *Insert angels singing here.*
I knew I was in trouble when I was wowed before I even opened the studio door. Right next to the entrance, surrounded by mature Japanese maple trees and butterfly bushes, is a fountain made out of drop-dead gorgeous pieces of discarded pottery. That's right. Even the rejects here are too beautiful to throw away! I was tempted to start shopping in the fountain, which would probably be frowned upon, so decided to go inside.
Indoors, the environment just screams creativity and insane talent. Look to the left and there are lines of tables, potters' wheels, and blocks of clay just waiting to fulfill their destinies. Look right and the walls are peppered with pots, plates, urns, and bowls in various states of finish. On the walls, there's a history lesson of countless awards, news clippings, and artifacts from Dan Finch's storied career--including an actual, vintage stoplight hanging from the ceiling!
Dan was working in the studio that day and after reading about his world travels and learning his pottery is featured in national museums, I must admit I was a little star-struck. He couldn't have been friendlier and I was fortunate enough to chat him up while I looked around and marveled at his work.
A born storyteller, he told me all about his passion for pottery. He talks about clay the way others talk about a significant other or great love. He's amazed by its strength, longevity, variety, and of course its limitless possibilities. At his studio, he works primarily with stoneware and porcelain and creates wood-fired, salt-glazed, and raku pottery. I told him about my platter and how I was interested in buying more pieces. Before I could even think about shopping, he told me what all went into making the platter I cherish so much. And honestly, the story behind it makes me love it even more.
He explained that the average process of creating that one piece would take about three weeks from start to finish. And that it was once just a lump of clay and an idea. The first thing he does is choose what he's going to make. Then based on that, the type of clay is chosen for him based on things like the amount of grit in the clay and heat tolerance. Once at the wheel, he begins to shape it (or throw it to use Dan's words). After shaping, it takes around two weeks to dry then it's trimmed and fired for the first time in the kiln. It cools then goes back into the kiln to be glazed, which is the final stage of sealing, coloring, and decorating. Then once cooled, it's ready to wow and impress people like me!
I wanted to learn about the firing process a little more so I asked if I could see the kilns on the property. He has three: a wood-burning, an electric, and a gas burning kiln. The largest of which is the wood-burning kiln and let me tell you, it is impressive. It's so big, you (and a few of your friends) could stand in it--but I don't recommend it. It reaches temperatures of up to 2500 degrees and is only fired up twice a year. The two times a year are such a big deal that they've become events at the studio. Potters from all over the U.S. travel just to rent space from Dan and take advantage of this behemoth of a kiln, affectionately known as Mamagama.
I finally got around to the retail shop and was like a kid in a candy shop. I may have even drooled a little over the custom-made, colorful sinks and adorable round salt and pepper shakers but I'll never tell. Everything in the shop is a Dan Finch original and is as unique as the man himself. Only someone as creative as Dan could take the ordinary bowl or vase, put a new twist on them and turn them into museum-worthy pieces of art. He can even turn a breakfast and dinner routine into something beautiful! Along with the shelves of stunning bowls, vases, urns, and platters are mug-shaped bacon cookers and round ceramic pans that are not only gorgeous but also promise perfectly cooked bacon and chicken every time!
As I was getting ready to leave, I noticed the vintage stoplight again and just had to ask about it. According to Dan, back in his college days the stoplights were all being replaced and he was able to talk his way into securing the very last one available and bring it home with him. I'd like to think that it hangs in the studio because the green light symbolizes his creative spirit. He is always "on go" and doesn't let anything get in his way. After hearing that in addition to a career in pottery, he was also once a pilot, an EMT and even introduced blueberry farming to Chile, Spain and Costa Rica, I realized just how much that green light has paid off. This man has lived a ginormous life and whatever he has set his mind to, he's done. And you can be sure that every unique experience he's had has found its way into each and every piece of pottery.
To say I ended up with more than my share of pottery after this visit is an understatement. I also left with a new appreciation of the passion that goes into every piece. Oh, and a few bacon cookers to give as gifts. Finch's Pottery and Nursery is open 6 days a week and by appointment. He also teaches pottery workshops and potters from all over come and "throw" together in this inspiring space. Take my advice, plan a visit, and make sure you meet and talk to Dan. His creativity, stories, and green-light mentality are all quite inspiring. I plan to follow his lead and start living my life on GO. Maybe you will, too.