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Functional Pottery
All pottery brings joy and beauty, but functional pieces tend to be the ones you are most intimate with. Bowls, cups, mugs, plates, and vases are a few examples of items we may use daily to bring deeper connection and joy to our rituals. I often use a red stoneware clay body and fire in a gas reduction kiln to cone 10 (2345 degrees F)
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Hosehair Pottery
Horsehair pottery is made by gathering horse hair (usually from the tail where the strands are thick and coarse) and burning it onto the surface of a piece of pottery immediately after it is removed from a hot kiln (around 1200 degrees F). The hair burns onto the surface leaving behind ash and a black carbon residue is absorbed into the clay where it burns, creating distinctive black lines. I use the addition of mica powder and clay slip to the surface of my pots. The mica adds color and illumination, while the textures add movement and depth. This firing process originates from Native American tribes who would use this practice to honor their horses.
Interested in taking a class to throw on the wheel?
I teach pottery wheel classes in the format of a 6 week series in person at The Village Potters Clay Center in Asheville, NC. I do not currently offer one time drop in wheel sessions or private lessons.
Where to find my work…
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I am a resident artist at The Village Potters located in the Asheville River Arts District Riverview Sation Building. This is where my working studio is located. You can find both my functional and horsehair pottery in their gallery with 6 other potters. If you drop by the gallery and would like to say hi, request to meet me! If I am there working, I would love to meet you too. Be on the lookout for classes offered by me! Click here to learn more
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I am currently not doing online shop updates. However, if you are interested in a certain style and glaze color you have already seen me create in the past, I’d be happy to make you one or even design a similar set for you. I am open to discussing custom orders and can ship them if needed. Please email me at carolinereneepottery@gmail.com for commissions. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to hear about future online shop updates and other events.
Want me to make you something special?
You can place orders through email if you have an interest in a set of something I routinely make or have a request for something I’ve made before that you’d like to customize. More specialized orders that require specific details that are not already within my unique style may be discussed to see if I am the best artist for your needs.
Why is horsehair pottery not considered functional?
Horsehair pottery is fired to a lower temperature than most pottery and the clay is not fully vitrified. This means it can still absorb water and is not food safe.
If you’d like to put fresh flowers in a horsehair vessel, you can place a small cup of water inside the vessel to hold the water needed for your flowers if there is a large enough opening. They are stunning statement pieces all on their own in your home.
I will not make mugs, bowls, or any items that may be mistakenly used for eating and drinking with this firing method.