Joy Brown’s pottery
Saturday, July 16th, 2005
Joy Brown lives and has her pottery studio five miles up the road in Kent. I’ve known her for a while now and while I met her through her ex-husband (we drummed together) I now consider her to be a good friend.
Because I have a background in ceramics, hanging out at a successful, working pottery is not novel to me but it is novel these days; up until last year I hadn’t touched clay in over 25 years. But, Joy has me making things again if for no other reason, to put them in her huge anagama wood fired kiln which is fired once a year and takes a week to fire.
That fire is going on now and I routinely volunteer to stoke for a day or two. I helped yesterday for a while and while there, wandered around her place taking pictures of her work which is scattered all over the place, tucked into weed patches and piled in the woods.
Joy lived and studied in Japan for many years so her work is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese ceramics. I think her work is outstanding and it’s a lot of fun to photograph. Check this flickr set for more of it. I’ll be taking more pictures today and adding them to this set.
Dear Richard,
I met Joy at a gallery opening in Chatham, MA. I told her that when I would be visiting my brother in Lakeville, I would like to take him to see her work in Kent.
Unfortunately, my computer with all of her info, including telephone number, seems to be permanently out of order. Could you have her call me at home and leave her number if I am out. I’m leaving for NY tomorrow. If she cannot reach me at home, my cell # is 508 737-6088.
Thanks, Ruth Shapiro
I’m using my son’s computer and e-mail address: jeffshap@tin.it
Ruth: Joy’s studio number is 860-927-4946. I just tried her there and she wasn’t home. She may be in North Carolina doing an installation but I’m not sure. You can try her and leave a message.
Great website! We are looking forward to bringing our Power Hour & Pottery students out to visit your Still Mountain Sanctuary on Sat. March 31st, with my friend Tamsin Looker. Our students are very inspired ti meet you & greatly admire your beautiful work. ~ In gratitude, Barrie
Barrie: You do know, of course, that this is not Joy Brown’s web site, this is Richard’s Notes. Joy Brown is a friend of mine who lives up the road. You might want to get in touch with her directly.