Archie Johnson & Ruth Cohen - Mud and Fire Potters

Looking back over the past seven years, the pictorial landscape of Little Meadows has been the ideal setting for Mud and Fire Potters. Rarely missing the lively activities of NYC, we take pleasure in gazing at deer and turkeys scampering in and out of the woods and savoring the panorama of mountains and valleys that surround us. To enhance this beauty we have crafted a Japanese influenced garden complete with a waterfall and bridge, and a sculptural arch 18 feet high supporting a metallic set of chimes that resounds like church bells. Stoke and Shino, our two pups, along with thirty plus guinea fowl complete the daily atmosphere we so adore.

Not to forget pottery, we still stay up countless hours stoking wood into one of our kilns. This always brings a fresh sense of accomplishment and anticipation each time we unload ware from either “The Firefly” or “Dante”, our two well-seasoned kilns.

“The Firefly”, our Boury Box kiln designed for two “pre-geriatric” potters, continues to yield wonderful shino glazed pottery, while “Dante” features ware with heavier ash deposits.

Once again this summer we hosted a potters’ throwing workshop with internationally renowned, Kevin Crowe. Participants proclaimed the weekend “awesome”. Check our website for next summer’s schedule.

Our own work remains at the forefront of all activities. Watching a lump of clay transformed into bowls, vases or sculpture never ceases to spellbind us. Combing simplicity of form with roots in Asian, Western and Jamaican/African cultures, with imprints from shells and stamps, 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.

Using a handcrafted tea bowl can be a powerful and personal experience. A small touch of warmth and beauty should be felt as it touches your hands and slowly reaches your lips.

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. We can be contacted at (570) 623-3335 and mudandfirepotter@aol.com. At your leisure please peruse our website at www.mudandfirepotters.com.