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Pottery from the Ground That He Stands on |
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for me, say something about the materials and the process.” He describes it as a process of trial and error with experiments that never stop. He scoffs at the question, “Could you do it again just like that?” “There is no ‘just like that,’” he laughs. “We have reached the point where we take standardization for granted. Think of a digital CD. It has usefulness that is undebatable, but to look at one and then another and suggest that the differences are fascinating - I don’t think so.” A pair of CD’s are virtually identical. Two vases from Songbird Pottery are not. “The distinctions, the idiosyncrasies, the variations are what make them unique and ultimately more interesting. They are handmade and,” Strader says without question, “they are endlessly fascinating.” He turns to a small vase glazed with a lovely blue color and distinctive lighter patchwork patterns, a combination that derives from Vermont. There are influences from Vermont on Strader’s |
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style and influences, literally from her soil, on the glaze. “I’m not trying to reform the world, but I think people in a place like this want context. They want to see where the work is from. They want to know something about it and believe that it’s more than just another thing in their life. I think they want something with enough substance that it will keep on giving long after the other souvenirs are gone.” Sharon Fuehrer lives in Peacham. She’s an admirer of Harley Strader’s work, and she says, “If I need to find a wedding present I want to find something from Peacham. His work is really beautiful, and I often find there what I need.” Songbird Pottery is on the Mack Mountain Road between US 2 and Peacham. Harley Strader spends a lot of time in his studio, but you might want to call before you go. (802) 563-2330
Terry Hoffer |
