Ron Philbeck Artist Demonstration

Join us for an artist demonstration with Ron Philbeck. 

Artist Statement 

I make pots for daily use as well as pots that may serve a more decorative or ritualistic role in the home. I throw with soft clay and try to impart some nice energy into the work. I have many influences but most are from the Leach/Hamada lineage of potters. After almost 20 years of making pots I never tire of coming to the wheeland moving the clay. It takes persistence, love, and hard work to make good pots. At the same time a really wonderful pot can emerge from the wheel when my mind wonders and I am gazing out the studio window. I’m happy to do this work and to share it with others.

All the pots are made with stoneware clay and are fired in my soda kiln. The sodium vapor reacts with the clay and slip to form a beautiful sheen on the pots. I have recently started decorating using wax resist and slip. The animals and birds on the pots are quirky and fun. I like them to have a bit of an attitude and personality. The imagery is another way for the user to interact with the pot and hopefully form a
relationship with it that will last for years to come.

Artist Bio

Ron Philbeck is a potter specializing in wheel thrown, sodium vapor glazed pottery. The limited production and one of a kind pots are created at his studio in Shelby, N.C. Ron believes that pots should be well made, pleasant to look at, and easy to use. His work can be found in collections and kitchens around the world.