Beside the fireplace in the house where I grew up were two old large clay pots crafted by my grandmother, Nettie, during the great depression. In fact, they were made from clay dug from their yard in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.  She and my grandpa, Pappy, made it through the hard times selling the pottery and inviting anyone to come and play miniature golf for a penny per day on the course Pappy designed and built in the yard.  I think their home was a gathering center for the community, a peaceful place with art, recreation, and a small escape from the stresses of the times. 

I never knew my grandmother, but I hoped that someday I would somehow connect to her by learning to make pottery.  In 1997 I enrolled in Dan Finch’s class at his studio, and found not only a connection to my roots, but also a wonderful community of kind and creative people.  After a couple years there were more career responsibilities and less time for pottery and I drifted from the craft for about 20 years only to reconnect as my kids went off to college.  I am thrilled to once again be a part of a nurturing and creative community at Finch Pottery. Since my retirement from my career as a Counselor, I am  pleased to have more time to devote to pottery, and am now also connected into the Triangle Potters Guild. I hope you enjoy the pottery as much as I enjoy making pieces.  

Very best wishes,

Philip curtiss