Pots with a Purpose

Once humans discovered that clay could be dug up and formed into objects by first mixing with water and then firing, the pottery industry was born. The first use of functional pottery vessels for storing water and food is thought to be around 9,000 or 10,000 BC.

With the invention of the potter’s wheel in Mesopotamia, around 6000 – 4000 BC, potters began to see the need for ‘production’ - especially of more utilitarian wares such as storage jars for oil, water, wine, and grain, as well as bowls, cups, and mugs for eating and drinking usage. Initially the ‘wheel’ was a large, heavy stone, which was placed on a pivot and then spun by means of ‘kicking’, or pushing with the feet while in a sitting position. While the stone was building up momentum, the hands were shaping, or ‘throwing’ the pot on top of it.

Pottery today has come a long way from the simple vessels created by long ago potters for use as food, drink and storage containers. Ceramic artists strive to balance function with form, beauty and decoration.

From March 24, 2012 to April 7, 2012, Throwing Mud Gallery is highlighting the idea of "Pots with a Purpose".  Yes, they're beautiful to look at, but they also serve a function for daily living. We have a wide assortment of mugs and tumblers made to DRINK from.  Plates and bowls are made to hold the food that we EAT.  Food and drink can be SERVED with the variety of trays, bowls, pitchers teapots, and platters.  Of course we have pottery that CONTAINS, such as vases, jars, salt & pepper shakers, oil dispensers and utensil cylinders.