Floyd Magazine

A Visit with Eric Bolling Floyd Virginia Potter

As a life long resident of Southwest Virginia, I learned about the arts and crafts of the mountains from my family and many other fine country people on the porches and back yards of Appalachia. From Cumberland to the Blue Ridge, I learned to work with my hands in many mediums. I chose clay and steel because they remind me of my earliest childhood memories. The smell and feel of earth, steel, and coal fire takes me back to my grandparent’s farm in Esserville, Wise County Virginia.

When I put a fresh lump of clay on the wheel and set it in motion, I’m thrilled at the thought that this piece of earth can take any shape I imagine, but most of my pots look like the things I saw on my grandma’s table. When I put an iron in the fire, I hear the echoes of hammers ringing in my past and I try to do my teachers justice by pulling out the elegant lines that add grace to utility. Much of my inspirations comes from the natural beauty that surrounds me in being immersed in a community of amazingly talented artists.

I work in my studio on my farm in Floyd county Virginia. I strive to make all my work tactile, as well as visually pleasing, and I am constantly seeking to add an organic feel to my work. I aim to instill a natural, homey feeling in all of my pieces. It is a privilege to do what I love. I enjoy sharing my work with others and put the quality and durability into my product that I expect for myself. I use only food safe glazes on all of my wares, and my pots are dishwasher safe.

The gallery was opened by Bill St. Pierre in the Fall of 2010. He is a master wood craftsman and makes custom furniture with the best materials here in Floyd County Virginia. The two room gallery is staffed by one of a dozen or more artist who display their art on custom furniture created by Bill. Next door, the Floyd Community Market  will open the first Friday of May were you will find even more local art and on Saturdays fresh local fruit and vegetables.

Hours Wednesday through Saturday from 11-5pm
st.pierregallery@gmail.com
Eric Bolling
Functional Mountain Pottery
Wheel Thrown in Floyd, Virginia
Mulungeon Forge and Pottery

melugeonforgepottery@gmail.com
540 745 2667