Tucked away in the scenic Redbank Valley Region, Discover Clarion County stopped by Pine Springs Pottery to meet with its owner and local artist, Marie Lewis. We toured her studio […]
Tucked away in the scenic Redbank Valley Region, Discover Clarion County stopped by Pine Springs Pottery to meet with its owner and local artist, Marie Lewis. We toured her studio & store located at her cozy, historic home amongst a smattering of trees and rolling hills that give the county its pastoral charm. We sat down with Marie to learn more about how a hobby transformed into the thriving business that it is today.
Tell us the story behind your pottery business? What inspired you to start?
Long ago, I took a couple pottery elective classes with a wonderfully creative professor. Though it wasn’t my field, I was smitten. I took a series of continuing education classes and made friends with the eclectic group of local people in those classes. We began to gather equipment and form a little community; we helped & encouraged each other and just like that my 25 year hobby was born. Many of those early encouragers and many others have played a pivotal role in my business and personal growth.
How long have you been in operation, and how has the business evolved over time?
In 2013, I was an empty nester with a husband often away from home with his job. I began to fill the empty hours by making more pottery. It was deeply satisfying, but also fairly isolating, so I invited friends to come and keep me company while I worked. They brought more friends and soon sales and orders were picking up at a rapid pace. In a few years, I was able to transition from long-time hobby to a real business.
What makes your pottery unique compared to others in the region?
Every potter’s method and resulting work is unique. I love to see and handle the work of other potters and it is what I collect when travelling.
Working on a vintage kick wheel in my rural home studio, I use a slow, old-school process to produce utilitarian pottery meant to be used rather than displayed. I throw stoneware pieces one at a time 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, making it truly one of a kind. 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.
How do you find inspiration for your designs?
Inspired both by the nature of rural Pennsylvania and early American functional pottery, my painted-by-hand designs are original and evolve with the idea that they will be welcomed into a home and used with joy for a lifetime.
Are there any signature pieces or collections you’re known for?
Pine Springs Pottery specializes in creating ware for dining and baking that is strong enough for everyday use yet beautiful enough to add a special touch to any meal. Many customers start with a coffee cup or pie plate, then grow their collections to include a full set of dinnerware and serving pieces. Since stoneware is chip resistant and durable, these collections can serve for a lifetime. I have customers who have used their dinnerware sets for 30 years or more and counting. In several cases, a second generation of customers has begun their own collections through a bridal registry.
Do you collaborate with other local artists or businesses? If so, how?
From time to time, I do special collaborations with local breweries, wineries, restaurants, cabins and other small businesses. These often involve a custom logo and are always part of a connection with the family.
What can visitors expect?
Pine Springs Pottery studio and shop is located in our historic home in beautiful, rural western Pennsylvania. Visitors can expect to see an ever changing selection of pottery for sale, everything from coffee mugs to casseroles. You can browse the pieces for sale, view samples of more designs, place custom orders, and get a tour of the pottery creating process by request.
What’s the most rewarding part of sharing your craft with others?
The ultimate value and beauty of my work, I believe, is only realized in the hands and eyes of the user. Something that I make from a lump of clay with my hands becomes something used by another’s hands, part of their home and their lives. I draw such inspiration from envisioning that throughout the creation process.
Are there any upcoming events, new collections, or special projects coming up?
My work can be seen on my website anytime and ordered by message or phone. If you come to my shop, I will be open by chance but I prefer you contact me ahead of time so I don’t miss you. For 2025, I am excited to be one of the Clarion County artists featured in the Clarion County Artist’s Showcase & Reception on Sunday, April 6 from 2-5pm at the Haskell House in Clarion. This event is part of a larger effort to create a central place for information about Clarion County Artists, their events, and opportunities available to them. Tickets for this event are available by contacting the United Way.
In June and July, you will find me at The Local Clarion County Summer Fest Pop-Ups; wonderful local festivals featuring unique artisans, entrepreneurs, local food, musicians, and outdoor activities. Clarion Summer Fest occurs on the first weekend of each summer month and pop-up sales are always on Saturday. The Local Clarion County also produces a holiday shopping event the first weekend in December, where pop-up shops are hosted inside Main Street Clarion businesses. I am planning to participate in that one as well.
Occasionally, I host an Open House event at my studio. More information and announcements can be found on my website www.pinespringspottery.com, by following my business page on Facebook, and on Instagram at @pinespringspottery.
Read more published articles about Marie’s work: Functional wares inspired by nature