October 2018’s featured artists are H.J. and Anne Brown, local ceramicists. “[Their] studio overlooks the South Fork of the Kaweah River and is surrounded by nature which is the inspiration for many of the colors and shapes reflected in the pottery. Leaves, flowers, trees, and animals find their way into the wheel thrown shapes made by Anne on the potter’s wheel. H.J.’s creations are hand-built, usually starting as a flat piece of clay from the slab roller. Sometimes their work is collaborative,” such as the wall hangings seen in our gift shop.
The studio was built in 1996, a year when Anne and H.J. were still living and working in Los Angeles and commuting to Three Rivers on weekends. As retirement rolled around in 2008 Anne and H.J. had more time and energy to devote to their pottery and the inventory grew.
The pieces are mostly functional. All are food safe and can be used in the oven, microwave, or dishwasher. The glazes are all lead free and non-toxic. Many of the pieces have recipe ideas and/or accessories for use attached. Anne and H.J. are especially pleased when they learn that someone uses their work in their homes as a part of their daily lives.