Pottery in Paradise

This is a great class. The pottery industry on St Vincent was thriving for many years but now is non existent.The Caribs and Garifuna used pottery as ceremonial and everyday functional objects, many of their beautiful pieces are now housed in National Trust building in Kingstown. 

The group aims to rebuild the tradition.

My sketchbook with class notes, and above our first project pinch pots.

 I love being a student again.

The group out on the first clay dig in Lowmans. Hard work. This land is used to grow 

ground provisions.We didn't do too much damage. 

Bagging up. We filled about twenty bags.

Our tutor and master potter Mr Dyer. He makes decent tea pot. 

We also had to drag the bags up that steep hill.

The clay has to be soaked and all large stones

and organic matter removed

Some serious clay preparation skills

The beautiful circle of seven ready to use. At this 

stage its down to the individual how coarse or

smooth you want your clay. I chose to sieve

mine twice and remove much of the stony, gritty

material.

As part of our course work we had to make collection of pots following a 

particular shape. This is actually a really difficult project as it takes

a lot of observation and control. I saw a few tears from some students as 

their pots were squashed because Mr Dyer was not happy with the forms.

My new project. Local clay hand carved vessels

Carved vessel drying. I love the stone colour.