Carole Ann Fer, Dow Studio, Deer Isle, Maine

Carole Ann Fer

I make pottery for daily use, in the Mingei folk craft tradition. In the 21st Century there's no reason to make pots. Machines make them faster, more efficiently and more cost effectively. There are hand made imports available at very low cost to the consumer. Our lives are inundated with so much stuff, why make pots? My desire is to stay in touch with the hand made and the need to use what is made by hand. Making pots allows a connection between the hand, the heart and the spirit. My pots have an interactive dialogue, between maker and user, plate and food. My hope is that nourishment and substance is provided in a lively attitude as object and subject come together.

My work is thrown soft on the potter's wheel to convey the malleable nature inherent in the material. When I alter, or reshape a piece, it is in the immediacy of the wet stage to enhance its pliable qualities. I affect the clay like fabric accented with pleats, buttons, darts and accessories. The surfaces suggest the weathered and washed murailles of France or Greece. There is quiet beauty in the irregularity. Evidence left by making suggest history and transformation in the finished forms. Each pot is distinctive, contemplative and joyous. There is a sense of sturdiness in use and balance to the eye as well as hand.

Carole Ann will be the Visiting Artist at Mudflat Studio in Somerville MA for Fall 2011. She will be giving a visual presentaion of her work on October 21st prior to teaching a weekend workshop October 22-23,

All slide presentations are free and open to the public.
Potluck dinner at 7:00 pm (please bring food and drink to share); Presentation at 8:00 pm.

Weekend Workshop: "Throw Soft - Work Slow - Think Deep"

In this workshop Carole Ann will demonstrate throwing and altering while the clay is freshly formed using the wheel as both a power and hand tool, inviting an investigation of the malleable nature inherent to the union of clay and water. Exploration and articulation of participant’s personal style will be incorporated lending the workshop to some hands-on exercises in drawing, writing and clay along with the demonstrations of household wares.