From the Studio, February 2019: Cynthia Curtis -

BIG YEAR!

Recently, Kory Curcuru from Bridge Cape Ann and the camera and production crew from 1623 Studios in Gloucester came to my studio to do an interview and photo/video shoot for a piece to come out later this spring. It was very cool and exciting. On camera, Kory asked me a series of questions about my life, how I came to be a potter, what motivates and inspires me.

Kory was great! We talked for twenty minutes and it felt like two. I told him I’ve always loved making things. As kids, my cousin and I would comb the beaches looking for treasures to make into our art. We then would set up tables and sell our wares. Fifty years later, I’m still making stuff with my beach finds and selling it! In the beginning years I was highly motivated to have a successful business so I could provide for my two daughters and establish a name for myself. Now they are all grown up and on their own and I couldn’t be prouder of them. My students also motivate me and we are constantly learning from one another. My pottery is very inspired by the ocean, its treasures and constantly changing colors. I am a huge believer in the therapeutic value of working with clay. It is very healing.

2019 marks a big year for me. It’s my 25^th year in business as a potter/teacher. I started out with a wheel and a kiln in the basement of my Beverly home where I lived with my two daughters (one and three). I took classes at the Barn Workshop and Ocmulgee Pottery. After a few years, it was clear to me that it was time to have a studio of my own. My months-long search led us to the top of Pigeon Hill St. To me, it was the most idyllic location for a home and pottery business. I have been very fortunate to meet so many wonderful students and customers over the 20 years here in Rockport.

News Flash!: For the first time, I have been invited to sell my pottery at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston during the Art in Bloom weekend in April. I am one of 12 artists invited from across the region to display, talk about and and sell work in the Museum’s Shapiro Family Courtyard Art in Bloom Market attended by over 20,000 art and flower lovers. I just got 4,000 lbs. of clay delivered this week. That ought to hold me over for a bit! In addition to my traditional ocean-inspired pottery, I am busy making floral-inspired new work for the show. The event takes place April 27, 28, and 29, 10:00-5:00 (member preview eve. April 27, 6:00-10:00). I am beyond excited! Hope to see you there.

This year marks my 15^th year on the Cape Ann Artisans Studio Tour. I am so proud to be part of such an amazing and talented group. I especially love having so many visitors from near and far visit my gallery, purchase my pottery and view new and experienced students while they make beautiful wheel-thrown and hand-built pots in the studio. Hope you can stop by during the upcoming tour June 1-2. Maybe even sign up for a class. Come get muddy!