A Potter's Wheel - A Vision in Clay
Tucked away on a hill, just outside of Milton, sits Eric Pardue's small log cabin. Inside is a myriad of objects ranging from model airplanes nestled into the rafters to a glass case full of old toys (which Pardue admits are his downfall). At first glance, this eclectic mix might not tell you much about what he does for a living, but upon looking closer you begin to pick up clues: in particular, the amount of pottery that dots his home.
Eric Pardue is a ceramic artist who has been studying pottery for almost 15 years. A native West Virginian, he originally attended Alfred University in upstate New York.
"I spent a year apprenticing for an artist in New York after college," he explains. That is where Pardue learned all his tricks of the trade. Pardue, who lives with his wife, Cindy, then migrated back to West Virginia where he now works in his home studio when he's not at his night job working for the school board.
Sitting down at the potter's wheel in his studio, Pardue begins to shape an individualistic creation. "It would seem like 40 hours a week would interfere with the work, but it makes me more focused. I don't know if the time I have is compressed so I get more done, or if I just don't get as distracted." He cuts off a small piece of earthenware clay that he has shipped in from Asheville, NC, and begins to mold it into a small ball. He explains that it is a low-fired clay, which means it only gets baked at a cool 1,900 degrees during the final process. After adding a watery-clay mixture to the ball, he begins to shape it. "The important part is to have the clay centered," he says, especially when you're a beginner. "It's really important when you're starting to gain those skills (keeping the clay centered) so that when you decide to break the rules it's intentional and not accidental."
He then begins to apply pressure with his hands to set up the bottom of the piece. Almost magically, the clay travels upwards surprisingly fast. "With some work I add in bits of granite to cause the clay to be coarser. The type of work I like to make is reminiscent of older works; it provides more texture, depth and interest in the piece."
Pardue not only creates the basic shape of the piece, but also fires and hand-paints the clay himself. He says he draws his inspiration from English and Japanese pottery, as well as regional works. He recently has been using a small glaze pencil to be able to create fine lines or writing on his work. "I've always had an interest in abstract painting and two-dimensional work," he explains. "Using this, I can do on the pots what I do on the paper."
Part of Pardue's unique style lies with his love of imperfections in pieces. "I try to just leave stuff that happens in the course of working. I'll leave rocks or fingerprints on the pots because I think it lends to this spontaneity of the piece." He smiles and adds, "The little off-center part is more interesting to me." Pardue sells his work through Taylor Books in Charleston and MountainMade. He has also in the past had items sold through Tamarack and has held gallery shows across the area. He will have a show in 2007 at MountainMade sometime in July. "It's nice to get my work out and hope people use them." Pardue says. He points out that often he's not making single pieces, but a collection. "I make them in a production way. They're all different. I like them to be related, but all different."
Because of his spontaneity, Pardue says he doesn't even have to make prior sketches before he begins a piece. "I don't ever make sketches. It's quicker and easier to just make (the pottery) instead of limiting myself to some drawing." He adds, "Having the skill to make the pottery do what you want it to do.I think everyone is wanting to grow in that." After leaving West Virginia for college, Pardue admits he's surprised he ended up back in the state. "I was sure I'd never come back here.but it's like a magnet." He smiles. As the leaves outside his cabin begin to turn fall colors, this potter and his work blend in perfectly with the scenery: unique and picturesque.
