WINDROSE POTTERY BY PEGGY LEE ROADIFER
I AM A POTTER
My work is an array of vividly colored, functional pieces of pottery made to be
used daily and integrated into the dishes you already have. The simple forms
create a peaceful feeling of quiet order and beauty. From a tiny tooth fairy cup to
a 3’ water feature I make pottery to be enjoyed.
I throw with smooth stoneware clay mined in South Dakota. An electric wheel is
positioned in a corner so that I can glance out over my garden or listen to old
reruns on TV. Throwing- trimming- bisquing- glazing-and final 2300 degree firing
are the essence of each piece of pottery created in my studio.
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From the first time I viewed a pot being thrown I knew it would be a part of my
life. It has become the center of my being: teaching/watching both my children
explore their artistic talents, encouraging our 17 foster children to express
themselves and enjoy the pride of creating, watching the learning process of
many students that welded their hands at the potter’s wheel.
I tried many entrepreneurships before settling firmly on being a potter. My part
time work has been financially successful and has awarded me many
opportunities.
History
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1985
Threw a ring vase in a community class and knew I would return to pottery someday.
1993
Set up a studio in the tiny furnace room with one very old wheel.
1994
Took my first pottery class at the Sheridan College and started selling my work at local shows
1996
Studied at The Bray in Helena, MT and the Art Institute of America in Orlando, FL
1999
Moved my studio into the laundry room. Began teaching students (only room for 2)
1999
Commission: 100 place settings—WOW I had no idea what I was taking on.
2000 Rebuilt and fired a downdraft kiln so I could produce copper reds and rutile blues. Enlarged my studio to accommodate 5 students.
2006-2010
Attended numerous workshops with talented and knowledgeable artists including, Pete
Pinnell, Connie Christianson, Mike Plourde ,Peter Voulkos Diane Kenny, Martha Grover, Terra Gowla and Rod Dugal.
2008
We moved to our dream house in the country featuring a huge studio, enclosed kiln house and storage space. My son built a 50 cubic foot car kiln and I began to fire it once a month filled with 350-400 pots.
2006-2019
Developed a Festival and Art Show circuit where I sold 1-2 tons of pottery each year.
2020
Some big bumps in the journey but I watched hundreds of YouTubes: “Johnthepotter” is my hero.
Then in October 2020 , Nicholas Roadifer stepped into sales and shipping, lewismediaconsulting.com built this beautiful website and I am happily spinning in my studio.
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