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What kind of creative genius spawns works ranging from practical and charmingly adorned berry bowls to hysterical Frankenstein and Jack-O-Lantern cookie jars? Well, Jill Wiener of course!
Subsequent to discovering her passionate aptitude for handmade wheel-thrown pottery, Jill Wiener's life followed a simple ritual of splitting her time between teaching at Mud, Sweat and Tears (Hells Kitchen, NYC), Earthworks (Upper East Side, NYC) and eating/sleeping/bathing at her Hell's Kitchen apartment. After many restless nights generated from a recurring dream (that there were greener, open-aired pastures yonder-right through the backdoor of her NYC studio) she decided to seek them out.
Jill Wiener heard the sirens' song lure her back to the point of her conception (Grossingers, New Years Eve, 1961). In 1996, after a hectic 3 day search of the Catskills, she finally maneuvered her vehicle through a long scary dirt driveway, oddly reminiscent of the Tin Man's woods from the "Wizard of Oz". When she saw the rustic late 19th century farm house, sparkling pond and weather worn barn (complete with a rust-streaked tin roof and irrational cat) Ms. Wiener knew that she was home. After dozens of excavations and revisions, the barn houses Earth Girl Pottery. Her home is sound, the gardens are flourishing and so is she. Like a mad scientist, Ms. Wiener works feverishly concocting a fabulous pottery cocktail; her recipe is 1 part clay, 2 parts whimsy mixed with an equal part of function. In her fantasy world gorgeous hand-built roses decorate vases, wild-eyed farm animals guard the cookies. You will find old fashioned spongeware pieces in new, bright, unexpected colors. Jill throws bowls large enough to hold food for large family reunions. Imagine serving meals on custom made dinnerware There are pieces with glazes so deep that you can practically swim through them them. In your reality, these masterpieces (signed by the artist) grace your home, lighten your spirit and just make you smile.
Fun and Functional Handmade Pottery made in Sullivan County, New York
Earthgirl Pottery is now represented by Jen O'Connor of earthangelstoys.com. Jen represents the very best in contemporary folk art, check out her site for a trip to a land where the art is whimsical and the order of the day is always sparkly.
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