Ben Carter

"As a kid, I saw scraps of fabric be reborn as they were turned into vibrant quilts that were both practical and highly decorative. By blending floral motifs used in Appalachian quilting with the decorative language of historical ceramics, I work to create new hybrid patterns that enliven the surfaces of teapots, pitchers, and dinnerware.  

The forms are made from a rich terra cotta clay, which is covered in white slip before being decorated with underglaze and translucent glazes. Transforming earthenware through decoration elevates its status, giving the forms value and meaning."