Beginnings.

This is a backside view of what will be my kiln shed. In the background is an old grainery I have converted into a pottery shop.




My Dad and I along side of the beginnings of the kiln shed.


Here is the newest member of my household. Her name is Irene. She is a great companion.

Building a kiln is a big step for any potter, and I am feeling the pressure as a young potter living in Seagrove. Although it is a big task I am very excited to be putting down some roots as a potter in my home state. I have been planning and sketching for my kiln for a long time and now have a large hole along with a yard full of bricks to build this puppy. Being a journeyman is great, but it is time to make working for myself and this kiln the priority.
I have decided to go with a kiln that is around 300 cubic feet. It is big enough to be worth firing up and small enough for a quick turn around which enables me to learn and grow as a craftsman quickly. The kiln is big enough for me to fit large scale work inside of which is something I am excited about since they are some of my favorite pots to make.
I hope you enjoyed the update. There are many new things happening here at my new place in Seagrove. Thanks for reading and keep following because there are many new and exciting updates to come!
Brad
 

New Clay

Since living here in Seagrove I have been fooling around with digging clay. I found a few different types but none I enjoy more than the red body. I have fired a few tests and hope to have a refined clay body very soon. I really love turning freshly dug clay. It is one of my favorite things to do as a potter. I hope these pictures show you the raw difference between something freshly dug, and something not.
Only time and firing will tell if I can make this clay look as good fired as it does raw.
I hope you enjoyed the short update!

New Shop Video.

This video should have been posted a long time ago, but I got a little busy. Business as a journeyman has been great lately since the summer has arrived. People are coming and buying pots so potters need me to turn pots. It is great to have plenty of work t do here in Seagrove.
In the video you will see me riding my bike up my driveway and back to the grainery which I have transformed into a new workspace. This grainery was full of junk when I arrived, but is now looking pretty good. I have made pottery here, but it was quickly moved out and sold as greenware to a few local potters for some quick cash. Right now those are the only type of pots being made there, but hopefully that will change soon!
I have found some kiln brick at a very good price and designed a wood kiln for myself. I have been clearing out space and will be putting up a kiln shed as soon as the next few weeks. Hopefully there will be a post on it very soon!

Big Ole Jar!

My good friend and fellow potter Tom Grey standing behind my first big pot since before my apprenticeship.



Here is a picture of it with the lid I made for it.

I was fortunate enough to be contracted for this piece. I was able to sell it to another potter in the green stage for him to glaze and sell. This type of deal is perfect for me right now because I am in need of the quick nickel (as opposed to the slow dime) in order to continue setting up my shop.
I had a blast making this piece and cannot wait to make more in the future for people to enjoy!
Thanks y'all
Brad

New Dance

This video was shot at Hot Club of Durham. It is favorite place to dance in on weeknights. There is a very strong core group of people there that have a great time. In the video I am dancing with Genevieve. She is an amazing follow.

Lately I have learned a new dance. I am no longer working as an apprentice. I am working for myself as a journeyman potter. I have found a sweet spot in the lovely small town of Whynot to begin setting up my first full time pottery shop. Being a journeyman in Seagrove is a great way to get started. It enables me to learn various approaches to full time pottery. I haven't picked up this many tricks and techniques since being in college. The people are generous and willing to help me out any way they can, and living in the beautiful Uwharrie hills of North Carolina is a blessing. Being self employed at the age of 23 is something I am thankful for. I feel like I am the luckiest man alive.
I am swing dancing two to four nights a week, and with the weather warming up I have been fishing like a mad man at every open opportunity.
I am finding enough work to keep the bills payed and more. I am also working on a private shop of my own which I plan to have up and running before the fall of this year. Life is good.
Thanks for reading. Please feel free to let me know what you think.
Brad

Quick Mugs

I shot this video last week while working for cross Creek Pottery in Seagrove, NC. The shop is owned by Vivian Hunt. Enjoy this video and let me know what ya think!

The Outsiders Music Video

Just made a music video with some of my friends. it is some cool stuff. let me know what ya think.