Friday, August 31, 2012

Remember Me As You Pass By.....

 In the late 19th century, the rural southeast part of the U.S. had a rich tradition of using ceramic grave markers in the small cemeteries. I love these markers and what they represent. I bought this small book at the NCPC the other day and have enjoyed reading it. There are a few potters around here that make pieces in the tradition of these markers, not to be used specifically for a grave, but to pay homage to the tradition of the marker. In the book, there are some markers that have been made for pets, cremation ashes or as a tribute to a friend that has passed. They are very profound and wonderful pieces of pottery.
 The one on the left is owned by a friend of mine. I will let her speak up if she wants to....
 If you love pottery, I urge you to see this show, if you can. It is really wonderful and the folks at the NCPC have done a great job, as they always do.
 Of course, it's hard to go to Seagrove without coming home with a piece of pottery. Mark and Meredith Heywood at Whynot have been blogging recently about these cups they made for a local brewery. You might remember me posting awhile back about not liking to drink beer from ceramic. After I saw these mugs, I thought maybe I would give it another go. Well, I think I have changed my mind. First of all the last time I tried, I was drinking from a tea bowl, so that was stupid, no wonder I didn't like it! But last night I went out on the porch with my new mug and a can of beer (do not like drinking from a can, that's for sure!) and it was quite a treat. I like the way the cold beer caused the clay to sweat and beads of water trailed down the side of the mug. It was so pretty in the afternoon light, so not only did I have the enjoyment of holding a well made mug, it was a visual experience as well. This is a perfect mug for beer and will be used every evening around 5pm!
Cheers!

11 comments:

Pam said...

I've been lurking about for a very long time. I love your blog! Thank you so much for sharing all that you do. I learned something new today and now plan to learn more about grave markers. And that beer mug! Another blog I enjoy and another mug I want. I make functional pottery, but would much rather sell mine so I can buy from other potters. Cheers! Pam

Hollis Engley said...

Those two make great pots. We often drink wine from their two small cups that we have, and beer from the tumblers.

Tracey Broome said...

Pam, so glad you came out of lurkedom, nice to hear from you! The grave markers are very interesting to learn about.
Hollis, I think it was your tea bowl I tried beer in, not the best, haha! Better for wine and tea:)

Michèle Hastings said...

it was beer night all around...i just did a beer post too!

Tracey Broome said...

Haha, it's always beer night! Heading over to read your post:)

Susan Wells said...

Yes! beer from ceramic! and Meredith & Mark's cups not only have the perfect atmosphere for beer containing with dark glaze and swirly decoration but nice size and shape that scream: "Heavens! Will you put a can of beer in me and sit down a minute and enjoy some peace!"

Dennis Allen said...

Always beer night somewhere? Thanks for the grave markers. You know what kind of pots I like.I have the little brother of your beer mug and love mine too.

Tracey Broome said...

Never even thought about a ceramic beer mug, but now I want to go fill that sucker up right now,haha!

cookingwithgas said...

hey TB another great post brought to you by.....thanks for your kind words on the mug.
Mark's dad kept 2 in the freezer for his beer- loved them. (gosh I miss his dad...)
I hope you are having a beer right now.
Now I want one-
XXXOOOO M

Lori Buff said...

I'm here drinking my beer out of a Kyle Carpenter beer mug reading your post about whynot's beer mug and Michele Hastings posting about her beer tumblers...is it Friday or what? Let's all have a toast.

Unknown said...

nice beer choice too Tracey, I love that Modelo especial! Great grave markers too.. this is a blog post for me!! I'm just getting to grips with beer and clay too, haven't found the right one yet. I've a John Solly with some nice slip combing that might get the job though.