The beauty of pottery
The beauty of pottery
Pottery is an ancient art form that has captivated humanity for thousands of years. Its beauty lies not only in the finished products but also in the process of creation, where raw clay is transformed into something functional, decorative, and often deeply meaningful. Whether it’s a simple earthenware pot or an intricately designed vase, each piece of pottery tells a story and carries with it the essence of the artist’s vision and the culture from which it originates.
One of the most remarkable aspects of pottery is its tactile nature. The smooth, cool feel of a polished ceramic surface, the weight of a well-crafted bowl in your hands, or the delicate texture of a hand-thrown vase—all of these sensations connect us to the earth from which the clay was taken. Pottery allows us to interact with art in a tangible way, making it a deeply personal experience.
The beauty of pottery also lies in its diversity. Across different cultures and time periods, pottery has been used for everything from everyday household items to ceremonial objects. In Japan, the wabi-sabi aesthetic celebrates the imperfections and natural forms of pottery, finding beauty in simplicity and asymmetry. In the Middle East, intricate designs and vibrant glazes reflect a rich artistic heritage. In ancient Greece, pottery was used to depict scenes of mythology and daily life, preserving history through its detailed imagery.
Pottery is not just about function or form; it’s also about expression. Artists can experiment with different shapes, colors, and techniques to bring their ideas to life. The process of working with clay—kneading, shaping, firing, and glazing—requires patience and skill, but it also offers endless opportunities for creativity. Each piece of pottery is unique, with its own character and flaws, making it a reflection of both the artist and the environment in which it was made.
In a world increasingly dominated by mass-produced items, pottery stands out as a reminder of the value of handmade, artisanal goods. The time, effort, and love that go into crafting each piece add to its beauty and make it something to be cherished. Pottery is more than just art; it’s a connection to our past, a celebration of culture, and a testament to the enduring human spirit.
Whether you’re a collector, a creator, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade objects, pottery offers a unique and timeless appeal. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, a fusion of art and utility, and a form of expression that continues to inspire and enchant people all over the world.
Osa Atoe’s life is all about pottery, and yet she can’t quite remember how she got into the art form in the first place.
Atoe, a Virginia native now living in Baton Rouge, says she began taking pottery classes at the suggestion of a former coworker in 2013 while she was living in New Orleans. A longtime music enthusiast and a former punk rocker, Atoe had been looking for a new creative outlet after growing frustrated with the instability of band life.
“An ex of mine says that I would always say, ‘Hmmm, I want to take a pottery class someday,’” Atoe says. “I don’t even remember saying that, but I guess it’s just something that had been in the back of my mind for a really long time.”
Atoe’s parents are originally from Nigeria, where traditional pottery is made using red clay. The artist chooses to leave portions of her pots and bowls raw or unglazed to highlight the natural beauty of the earthenware.
Though the story is a bit blurry, Atoe’s focus is sharp now. She runs Pottery by Osa, an online handmade pottery shop she started in her New Orleans kitchen in 2015 that has grown into a full-time job since she moved to Baton Rouge later that year.
“I feel lucky that I just happened to take that step because it totally changed my life, literally,” she says.
Initially, Atoe ran her business on the side while also working as a part-time, after-school art teacher. Eventually, the teaching got in the way of her art, so she dropped that gig to devote her time to pottery about a year ago.
Atoe makes all of her pottery using an electric wheel, an electric kiln and terra cotta, or red clay. While usability is a key component of her wares—she makes bowls, mugs, dishes and other similar products—she also draws inspiration from ancient pottery styles from Greek and Roman to Native American and African.
Her designs are minimalistic and straightforward, a hallmark of—believe or not—her punk rock days.
“When I was into music, I played a lot of a subgenre of punk called post-punk. It was kind of like a genre that, to me, just threw out all the normal rules of rock ’n’ roll and kind of created this very simple but unique starting point,” she says. “I try to reflect that in my pottery. I try to make work that I feel like is simple but also unique.”
Greenery gets a fresh update in Atoe’s planters, carved by hand and glazed in varied colors. She uses techniques including carving, smoke firing and slip decoration.
Aside from working with her hands, Atoe says what she enjoys most about pottery is that she can channel as much energy as she wants into her work without having to rely too much on other people.
“In punk, the point is never to make money. It’s like never about a career. And that’s really liberating,” she says. “But there are limitations, because you do have to make money.”
Though the Capital City may not seem like much of a pottery hub, Atoe’s work has quickly found a following. She has participated in the Mid City Makers Market since it first popped up last December, and she has also been featured at Ogden Park Prowl and the North Gate Music & Arts Festival. She is a member of Louisiana Claymates, a local group of pottery and ceramic artists that meets monthly to network and share ideas, and she also recently began studying ceramics at LSU’s School of Art.
“As soon as I moved to Baton Rouge, I felt really welcome,” she says.
Pottery by Osa’s biggest presence is on Etsy and social media—including a 7,000-person following on Instagram—though she says she’d like to make her way into an art gallery exhibit at some point.
“It’s been surprisingly easy to share my work with people, and I think the internet also has a lot to do with that,” she says, joking that she doesn’t know how people used to market businesses without social media.
Though her business is still new, Atoe says giving back to her community is also a key mission for her. She has donated pieces for charity auctions and has participated in events for Empty Bowls, an international organization that helps sell makers’ handmade bowls to raise money to end hunger.
“Everyone who makes stuff knows that it just takes a long time,” she says. “But it’s still important, whenever possible, for me to do that.”
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