Kent McLaughlin
Kent McLaughlin works primarily in porcelain, making pots for daily living and experimenting with traditional Eastern glazes which include carbon-trap shinos and celadons. He owns and operates Fork Mountain Pottery in the mountains of western NC along with partner Suze Lindsay.
Kent McLaughlin at MudFire
Gallery group show Potters of the Roan, April 2009
Kent McLaughlin Artist Bio
Kent McLaughlin is a studio potter who began his training in 1973 at Brevard Community College, the University of Central Florida, and Penland School of Crafts. He apprenticed with a production potter before opening his own studio in 1985. Kent works in porcelain and stoneware clays, making utilitarian pots. He and his wife, Suze Lindsay, own and operate Fork Mountain Pottery in Bakersville NC. In 2003, Kent began firing his cross-draft kiln using waste fry oil as an alternative fuel source. His glaze palette includes shinos, celadons, Mashiko khaki glazes, and iron reds, which reference the fertile grounds that surround his mountain studio and home.
He has taught at Anderson Ranch Art Center, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, and Odyssey Center for the Ceramic Arts, J.C. Campbell Folk School and Brevard Community College in Florida. In the Fall of 2005, Kent, along with his wife, Suze, were visiting faculty members for West Virginia University's exchange program in Jingdezen, China for 5 weeks In January2008, Kent and Suze were invited to teach at Curaumilla Art Center, near Santiago, Chile. He exhibits locally as well as nationally, including invitational shows at The Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, Baltimore Clayworks, Santa Fe Clay, Charleston Clayworks and Gallery 1021, Chicago. He is a member of Southern Highland Craft Guild, Toe River Arts Council and the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.
Kent McLaughlin Artist Statement
I make pottery because I'm attracted to the process and the limitless possibilities when working with clay. My pots are intended for daily use. I once heard it said that making the work is only a part of the process. The process is completed only when the object is used. I would hope that my work falls in the same category for the user as a comfortable pair of shoes, a memorable meal, or a favorite place to eat.
