Jim DeGeorge, a local potter from the Short Gap region of West Virginia, spends his days in his studio, “Potterwood,” where his creative mind takes charge. Striving to live a peace-filled, “back to basics” lifestyle, pottery making was a natural extension for this organic gardener, beekeeper and winemaker.
A self-taught potter, Jim creates with stoneware and porcelain clays, shaping them on the wheel or altering them by hand. Subsequent decorating of these pieces is the work of his skilled hands -- using fingers, carving tools or brushes – following no rules but his own. All of Jim’s lead-free glazes are personally and painstakingly developed; then constantly tweaked to suit his changing moods. “It hasn’t been easy,” he says, “Persistence, guidance and the loving support of my wife, Deb, have been my constant companions on this journey.”
Walking to the beat of a different drummer, Jim refuses to “stay in the box” or to mass-produce. Rather, he focuses on creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect his diverse nature.
The functional and artistic pottery of “Potterwood” is offered for sale at numerous locations as well as his studio on Scenic Lane. Jim is a member of the Allegany Arts Alliance and Arts Council, and a participating artist on the local Annual Artists Studio Tour.
Potterwood Studio
Scenic Lane, RR 1, Box 166A
Ridgeley, WV 26753
(304) 738-3587
potterwood @atlanticbb.net
“May the peace and goodwill with which each handcrafted piece is made, fill your heart and your home.”
