Stunning ceramic piece. Perfect size for all my wooden spoons! Order and delivery was easy and perfectly done! Love it!

Pauline L, Lebanon, PA

I am Carolyn Dittes, potter since 1975, currently in Granby, CT

I experience wheel-throwing as a process of breathing life and personality into formless clay. A fresh-thrown pot has an undeniable vitality and expressiveness, but it does not last. Through the process of trimming, drying, bisque firing, and glazing, this vitality dies a slow death. By the time pots are ready for the final glaze firing, they are so dull and deadened as to feel and appear almost repulsive.

In the final glaze firing my pots are subjected to transformative temperatures over 2200 Fahrenheit, at which point the clay vitrifies (turns to stone) and the glazes melt. As the clay becomes stone and the glaze powder becomes liquid glass, the pots undergo a rebirth. As the kiln cools, the pots emerge full of new life, resurrected; they are ready to call attention to everyday activities, like drinking tea and coffee; serving pasta; holding kitchen utensils, sponges, flowers, fruit, and cell phones; and eating cereal and toast.

In addition to being aesthetically engaging, most of my pots are functional. This is important to me because their “lives” connect me with countless other people. Many people tell me they cherish the special mug they use every morning for coffee, confiding that they hide it afterwards so as to protect it from someone else’s more casual use. This disclosure reveals a connection I have with others through shared aesthetic experience in everyday life.

Beautiful utensil holder, timely shipping and great customer service. Exactly what I was needing for our new home. Thank you!

Mackenzee, Iowa City, IA