| Pete, who had introduced me to the
Peter's Valley gig, thought that since I
was coming alI the way to New Jersey, that
I could also do a one day workshop at his
place. It was a kind offer, especially when
you look at who has had workshops there in
the past; Peter Voulkos, Don Rietz, Paul
Soldner, to name a few. It was both a honor
and a bit intimidating at the same time.
And when we arrived it really sank in on
what hallowed ground it was. Pete has
developed an amazing set-up; an immaculately
renovated, 200 year old cavernous barn
houses his studio, and gallery. Voulkos stacks
and platters mingled with Pete's sculptures
(he was preparing for an exhibition at The
Daum Museum in Missouri) I had never been
in such an impressive work space. The studio
sits on 5 immaculately groomed acres replete
with a 200 year old restored farm house and
a swimming pool. It is a gorgeous setting.
For the workshop Pete had assembled a group
of professional potters, teachers and enthusiasts
from as far south as DC, north from New Haven,
and folks from New York and New Jersey. It
was an honor and a very enjoyable time to
be able to show them my work. People seemed
as interested in my life as a foreign potter
in Japan, as they were with my pots. Very
lively discussions ran throughout the day.
and before I knew it, we were having cocktails
around the pool. What made the time there really special was getting to know Pete's family. His wife Chrissy is such a unique wonderful spirit. She opened her home to my family and me in such a friendly way. We spent almost a week there, relaxing and playing. My son Richie had a wonderful time, thanks in no small part to the close relationship he developed with Chrissy. I couldn't get enough, and returned a few times while doing my workshop up at The Valley. I cannot express my gratitude to him and his family strongly enough. | |
 Pete in his Studabaker |
 Demonstrating |
 Pete's sculptures |
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 More demonstrating |
 Chrissy's Pieces |
 Pete's Flask (Voulkos Stacks in the background |
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 Pete's Kiln |
 Pete and Richie |
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