August 24th, 2011

The Happyrock Pottery, Susan Gladstone, Potter, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches, Throwing, Centering, Opening, Shaping

I met Susan Gladstone last year.  She is a potter located right here in Rehoboth Beach.  The name of her company is called The Happyrock Pottery.  Her studio is in the shops at Celebration Mall on 20 Baltimore Ave.  Tel. 410-375-7120.  She does not have a website yet but if you see something on this post, please giver her a call, email her at thehappyrock@earthlink.net.   Or, better yet, visit her studio.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had never seen Susan’s pottery.  She told me that she had been a potter for 40 years.  Giving it her full attention for about 16 years. 

Susan is a native of Baltimore, Maryland.  For many years she was a member of Baltimore Clayworks.  This is the region’s only cultural institution dedicated solely to the ceramic arts.  Now, she is part of the Rehoboth Beach artists’ community.  She is a welcomed addition to our area.  I think you will love her pieces.

I decided to visit her studio.  It is so funny because what is now called Celebration Mall was the original Epworth Church.  Many years ago they had a great pre-school.  One of my sons attended for several years; great lasting friendships were made then.

There are several artists located in the Celebration Mall.  I am glad I stopped by because I had no idea.  Different and very impressive. 

Her studio is where my son’s classroom was located.  It really brought so many memories.  But, I was there to see her work with her hands.

I am in awe and amazement to see someone shape a lump of clay into something as beautiful as some of her pieces.

The Raku pottery has small cracks that turn black.  These are made by the deposits of carbon in them, turning them black, no matter what color of clay used.   The final product is unique.

Susan was working on a “vessel” or bowl when I got there.  She made it look so easy.  She did a little bit of trimming and then exclaimed:  It is not centered.  I don’t like it.  She picked it up and started kneading it just like bread.  She was starting all over again.  Here are the pictures from that first start when the term used is “throwing”.

Susan threw that moist lump of clay on a bat.  A bat is an accessory.  Okay, Susan, if you say so.  A lot of people just use the wheel head instead.

Susan found the “center” of the clay by moving a thumb across the lump until no more friction was felt. 

Then, the next step was the opening.  Susan’s thumbs kept working the clay and stopped very close from the bat. 

The sides are pulled up and then the process of “shaping” the vessel or bowl begins.  This shaping continues for some time until the desired thickness is obtained.

Susan has Raku pottery, as well as wood fired pottery.

She also has plenty of very affordable pieces that are, obviously, made by hand and no two are alike.  Different sizes and colors; the minis were beautiful.

She is also a member of the Rehoboth Art League.  That’s where I first saw her pottery.

I learned a few things.  I hope I posted them correctly.  If not, I will never hear the end of it. She’ll let me know.

Have a good one!!  Talk to you later….