Artist's Statement
I started making pots in 1992 after returning home from college. I had studied mathematics but my heart had always been in the arts. I had done some painting and was very interested in sculpture but could never quite find my subject matter. A friend talked me into taking some clay classes at the local community college and before long I was hooked. It was about a year later when I read an article by Minnesota potter Warren MacKenzie and fell in love with the idea of producing functional pots for everyday use in people's homes. Finally, I had found a medium where I could express my creativity and at the same time serve a purpose, that of preparing and serving food. Over the following years I sought out potters whose work I liked and who came from a functional background.

Through workshops and classes and much time spent at the wheel I began my training as a potter. In 1996 I set up my kiln and workshop and established myself as Cleveland County's only full-time working potter. When I stop to think about it, it's pretty amazing that I am doing what I love to do. Being a functional potter is challenging in that I have to work within certain limitations. After all, the pots must work well and stand up to everyday use, as well as be pleasing visually and invite the user to hold and touch them. I feel the pottery is a communication between the potter and the person using the pot.

Lately, I've been having a great time making pots and trying out new decoration on new forms. It seems that the ideas are never ending; all I have to do is be open when I sit down to kick my wheel and the clay will teach me. My desire is to make pots that have character and integrity that are as delightful to use as they are for me to make.

www.philbeckstudios.com

Shelby, NC

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