Ann Harting
Since discovering clay, pottery has become a central passion—one that allows me to shape earth into forms that are both functional and expressive. Nature is my greatest muse, offering endless inspiration through its textures, colors, and quiet strength. I find myself drawn to the muted greens of moss-covered bark, the weathered surface of a stone, or the delicate structure of a fallen leaf. These impressions guide my hand as I work. My approach to pottery centers on hand-building techniques that embrace organic form and tactile detail. I favor earthy, sculptural shapes, often enriched with pressed plants, carved textures, and layered surfaces. Glazes and stains allow me to enhance these elements, creating depth and storytelling through the interplay of texture and tone. Each piece reflects a dialogue between material and maker—a kind of slow, intentional listening. While my background in fiber arts still informs my appreciation for pattern and rhythm, clay offers a different kind of grounding. It demands presence, patience, and surrender. I rarely begin with a fixed idea; instead, I let the clay speak, trusting the process to reveal the final form. At its heart, my work is a celebration of the natural world and a meditation on the quiet beauty found in its imperfection. My fiber work reflects my love of nature as well and I often combine fiber within my clay works. I hope each piece invites viewers to pause and see the world around them with renewed attention.
Pine Springs Pottery/Marie Lewis
Pine Springs Pottery is modern artisan stoneware - made completely by hand, with love. From coffee mugs to casseroles, I craft each piece to serve everyday meals and very special occasions beautifully. Working on a vintage kick wheel in my rural home studio, the hobby I practiced for many years became my fulltime passion. I throw stoneware pieces that are hand dipped in my own glaze to form a smooth, neutral palette. I then paint by hand on top of the glaze with stains of my own formula. Each piece retains its own unique marks, both of the maker and the process. I built my natural gas kiln using soft firebricks and fire it using only pyrometric cones, sounds and smells as a firing guide. Firing with a reduction method to 2300 degrees, the otherwise fragile elements mature rich in color and texture, and become durable enough to use in the oven, microwave and dishwasher. Inspired both by the nature of rural Pennsylvania and early American functional ware, my designs are original and evolve with the idea that they will be welcomed into a home and used with joy for a lifetime.
Studio location: 1650 Stony Rd, New Bethlehem, PA 16242, 814-764-5626, marie@pinespringspottery.com