Four times a year, we welcome a new visiting guest local artist into Riverside Collective. Our Summer guest artist (in residence July-September) is local potter, Belinda of Earthtones Pottery. We caught up with Belinda to ask a few questions about her process and her art:
What inspires your art?
My work as a potter is inspired by nature, history, function. The earth tones of my home state of North Carolina are present in my pallet, reflecting the swirling blues, greens and browns of nature. The tradition of pottery throughout history as well as today’s society needs influence my choice of forms. For me, each piece of pottery is deeply connected to the four classical elements—earth, water, fire and air—and to the powers of the creative process that blend them together into a form reflective of both art and function. Ultimately, it is my hope that the pottery I create becomes a source of beauty and usefulness.
How does Saxapahaw influence your art?
I find the river, and natural environment surrounding it, as well as the homey atmosphere of the community inspiring.
If you were to speak for your art how would you fill in these prompts?
I feel…excited to be working in my studio and curious about what new type of
pottery will emerge next.
I need…more time to experiment with forms, surface designs, and glazes.
I am…honored when people tell me a piece of my pottery is their favorite mug or
bowl or whatever the piece may be. For me, creating that type of personal
connection between my pottery and individuals is why I’m a potter.
What’s your favorite tool and why?
My fingers are my favorite tool. Of course I use many manufactured tools in my studio, but ultimately it’s my hands and fingers that enable me to create pottery. Their role in throwing a pot on the wheel is invaluable in shaping the clay. Often I find myself using my fingers to put final touches on my pieces. Sometimes my fingers are the only tool that can work!
What’s one thing that someone who isn’t a ceramics artist wouldn’t know about what you do?
Most people probably wouldn’t know the critical importance of scoring both sides of the places where two pieces of clay are joined. Many years ago my mentor, Marie Summers who lived in the mill house on Morrow Mill Road, had the clever idea to sharpen the wooden end of a needle tool like a pencil. I use the needle and this sharpened end when joining clay pieces all the time.
What idea or concept are you chewing on as an artist right now?
Right now I am exploring new glazes. I’ve been doing quite a lot of glaze testing using brushes or dipping my pieces into a container of glaze. I plan to continue to explore new glazes by spraying them onto the pieces. Each method of glazing has its own unique look so it’s fun to try them all.
Has it shown up in your work yet?
Yes…some of the work in this display have used all three methods of glaze application and some of the glazes are new to my work.
Are you a rebel with your art in any way? How does that make it better?
Sometimes….I make “teapots with an attitude.” This means they have an unusual shape that is funky and fun.
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Don't miss Belinda's Guest Artist Reception on 7/18/26 from 1p-4p at Riverside Collective!
