SPRING 2025

mainepotterytour.org/

Maine Pottery Tour

We finished up the Spring Firing late Thursday April 24. The Maine Pottery Tour is happening Saturday and Sunday May 3 and 4. I’m excited for the new work and to have the firing crew join me! This is s great way to see several potters work from the same kiln. There will be kiln tours and throwing demos. Visit the link above and plan your trip.

Ella Rielich-Godino

---

Leyli Johnson

---

Madison O’ Brien

---

Jesse Dittmar

Jesse Dittmar is 11 years old and lives in Surry, Maine. His favorite thing to do is dig holes in the woods. Jesse has all of these tools: shovels, folding shovel, snow shovel, loppers, hatchet, saws, and a stainless steel bucket. Jesse's favorite animals are chickens, and he has ten hens and one rooster. He enjoys making gardens to grow herbs for the chickens. The chicken Jesse is holding is named Fluffers. Here's a photo of one of Jesse's deepest holes.

I’m so grateful to be a part of this group show. Jody is an amazing potter and person and has been a great teacher and inspiration to me.

Harvest Festival

I’ll be in Bangor at the Harvest Fetival This Saturday and Sunday, November 18th and 19th from 10-4. It’s a great place to get handmade holiday gifts from local artisans. Come check it out and see pots from the October firing!

End of summer

It's hot, though the days are noticeably shorter. The leaves are starting to change and the crow's call feels auspicious.

Hot humid days call for cool refreshing dinners and I loved how this pot served so perfectly for shrimp cocktail.

Good morning self

Happy Valentine's Day

Pots in the Everyday

Enjoying this vase from the firing with pussy willow and craspedia while trying to wrap up some computer work for the week.

Pink carnation and red kiwi

Snow day hot chocolate from an Ella mug

Nearly December and the 3rd firing is complete

It's amazing to me that the kiln was finished just a year ago and that we have had 3 firings! Each time there is new learning which propels me forward. I've been taking in the most recent pots and selling some at holiday fairs. I have so many ideas for the next firing. I can't wait to get back to making pots!

March 1

Bowls thrown and drying to be trimmed

The First Firing

I was thrilled to complete the kiln and have the inaugural firing over the thanksgiving holiday. It was a good first firing with some beautiful pots and a lot of information for next time. I can’t wait!

Loading the kiln

The kiln firing

Ella Reilich-Godino and Emma Shapiro-Barnard both helped fire the kiln and I am so grateful to both of them.

September

Summer slipping away and I can see the mark of the days past in the bricks laid. I enjoyed the rythym of brick after brick, my tired arms and mortar covered hands. Ella on the other side of the kiln, laying bricks and our conversations that seemed to take on a life of their own. I made great progress on the kiln this summer and was so fortunate to have Ella Godino-Reilich as an intern. She helped tremendously!

The boys are back in school and the fall feels filled with promise. Already the leaves are starting to change and I am hoping yet for a Thanksgiving firing!

The kiln is nearly complete

July

It's high summer and so much is happening here! I'm thrilled to have Ella here helping with the kiln build. She provides a sharp mind and good energy.

We are making great progress! So exciting to see it coming together

Floor finished and walls coming up

Sabine and Ruskin

Wooden arch frame

Awesome Ella

Rainy day

Rainy day in the studio. Nice to be out here away from the unrelenting life in the house.

A couple of pots I just threw.

Pots at the Blue Hill Library

For the month of September myself and 4 other potters from Surry will have their pots on display in the Howard Room at the Blue Hill Library. If you live locally, come check them out! I love the library!

I also have a few pots for sale at the Handworks gallery in Blue Hill as well. Sorry not many pots to sell, if I can just get this kiln built…

September

It’s been a good summer and I have made some good progress on the kiln. My time has decreased substantially due to childcare. There's not a balance at this time and I get to the kiln when I can. Hoping now for a 2021 firing!

Early morning today, working on the firebox

Working on the site earlier in the summer with the mini excavator we rented for the weekend.

This is a Pokemon that Pascal made for an art assignment. I can't wait to put it on the kiln for the first firing as one of the kiln gods, with his permission, of course.

What's happening

Snow is on the ground. The winter sun is bright and crisp. I wake from dreams where I am firing the kiln. The children are growing.

Our friend Matt helped us to build the kiln shed. Thanks Matt! You're the best!

We began work on the shed last August and wrapped things up before winter set in. We still have a few things to finish off, though the shed is nearly complete.

Some recent mugs

Was working a bit more steady in the studio till the leather strap on my wheel broke.  Then I was away the past few weekends.  I've got a new piece of leather and once that's in place I'll be throwing again.  Excited to be making pots and making them for those who have contributed.

Thank you to all who have contributed so far! I am currently working on kiln design and site work.

It's looking like the entire project will cost between $10,000 and $12,000.  With the $1000 matching donation gift I am currently at $1840.  Thank you Thank you! 

pots

Some small flower vases. Looking forward to making more pots soon!