Lick Creek Pottery Studio
After graduation in 1972, we needed to reassess how to continue in the ceramic arts while financing our lifestyle. Fortunately, in addition to having a gallery represent our work in St. Charles, Missouri, Southern Illinois University allowed us to sell our work on campus. This opportunity enabled us to continue living in the Shawnee National Forest as potters.
Pictured is our Lick Creek Pottery studio, located on the banks of Lick Creek in Makanda, Illinois. Here, we rented an old farmhouse for just $35.00 a month, which included access to a very distinctive outhouse and a hand pump for running water.
We began by focusing on constructing a large salt kiln to bring our vision of rustic backwoods pottery to life. This kiln allowed the creation of beautifully understated and functional pottery using the salt glazing technique, celebrated for its simplicity and rustic charm.