Molded by Hand, Hardened By Fire
A Special Exhibition of Wood-Fired Pottery by Peter Rose
Status
May 16, 2011 to October 30, 2011Gallery
Rogers-Claussen Feature GalleryAn Australian potter preserving East Tennessee traditions
On Saturday mornings at least twice a year, a community gathers around Peter Rose’s wood-fired kiln in northeast Knox County. It is a ritual that is not uncommon to the South, a celebration of the kiln’s opening, a chance to see and possibly purchase direct from the potter a molded piece of clay that has been dramatically transformed by days of wood firing.
Australian by birth, Rose came to East Tennessee in 1985 by way of Japan and England. Four years later when Rose set out to build his own wood-fired kiln, it was these ceramic cultures—and the advice of a visiting Korean potter—that shaped the final structure. The kiln was completed in 1992, and Rose was ready to begin firing, ready to begin melding his past, multi-cultural experiences with the traditions of Southern folk potters.
Today, Rose continues to advance the wood-fired pottery tradition in East Tennessee, as seen in the utilitarian and sculptural pieces on view in the gallery above. The video below explores additional aspects of Rose’s life and work, while following one jug from being molded by hand to being hardened by fire.
Face jug Peter Rose (b. 1956, Adelaide, Australia) Wood-fired ceramics, 8.5″ h, 2012Knox County Face jug with facial features applied onto jug form inspired by 19th century example in the artist’s collection Accession Number 2012.8.1 Permanent Collection of the East Tennessee Historical Society Gift of the artist
Monkey and bird Peter Rose (b. 1956, Adelaide, Australia) Wood-fired ceramics, 14″ h, 2006 Knox County Accession Number 2008.65.1 Permanent Collection of the East Tennessee Historical Society Gift of the artist
Jug Peter Rose (b. 1956, Adelaide, Australia) Wood-fired ceramics, 8.5″ h, 2012Knox County Jug made by Peter Rose with inspiration from a 19th century example in the artist’s collection. This jug is featured in the video below. Accession Number 2011.51.1 Permanent Collection of the East Tennessee Historical Society Gift of the artist
Molded by Hand, Hardened by Fire: The Wood Fired Pottery of Peter Rose
Credits:
Curator: Adam H. Alfrey
Design and installation: Adam H. Alfrey, Michele MacDonald
Photography: Dan MacDonald
Video
Videographer and editor: Douglas D. Mills
Producer: Adam H. Alfrey
Related Resources:
Visit Rose’s website to see more examples of his work, learn more about his career, and discover upcoming events
