Archie
Johnson & Ruth Cohen - Mud and Fire Potters
Discovering the essence of "mud" in the early 1970's
while being professional "suits" in NYC, has channeled
us on a seemingly never-ending journey. Five years ago it brought
us to the picturesque countryside of Little Meadows to set up
a studio and build wood-fired kilns.
By
now "Dante", our two-chamber Noborigama kiln, is a well-seasoned
community kiln with students, friends and neighbors uniting to
form stoking teams. "The Firefly", our new Boury Box
kiln designed for two "vintage" potters, has yielded
exciting results blending together the best of wood and gas firings.
This summer we realized another dream by hosting our first potters'
workshop with internationally renowned potter, Kevin Crowe. Next
summer we hope to expand this new venture.
Our
own work is in the forefront of all studio activities. Witnessing
the progression of a chunk of clay as it moves through our fingers
evolving into a bowl, vase or sculpture never ceases to mesmerize
us.
Simplicity of form with roots in Asian, Western and Jamaican/African
cultures, combined with shell markings continues to characterize
most of our work. The lick of the flame blended with or without
glaze and natural ash creates intriguing and distinctive surface
textures and finishes. Striving for pieces with fresh vitality
and charm, we hope using our pottery brings a small touch of warmth
and beauty to everyday living.
On
Monday of this year's tour, we will demonstrate various wheel-thrown
forms including bottles, bowls and platters. Please visit us,
tour our studio and check out "Dante" and "The
Firefly".
Our studio is located on Bowbridge Road, just one mile east of
Route 858. A large stone bearing our insignia is on our side of
the road.
Archie
Johnson & Ruth Cohen - Mud and Fire Potters
By
now "Dante", our two-chamber Noborigama kiln, is a well-seasoned
community kiln with students, friends and neighbors uniting to
form stoking teams. "The Firefly", our new Boury Box
kiln designed for two "vintage" potters, has yielded
exciting results blending together the best of wood and gas firings.
Our
own work is in the forefront of all studio activities. Witnessing
the progression of a chunk of clay as it moves through our fingers
evolving into a bowl, vase or sculpture never ceases to mesmerize
us.
On
Monday of this year's tour, we will demonstrate various wheel-thrown
forms including bottles, bowls and platters. Please visit us,
tour our studio and check out "Dante" and "The
Firefly".
