J. Lorene Austin
2512 Crossview Lane, Lenoir, N.C. 28645, (828) 728-4093
Clay became an answered prayer three years ago. The plant where I had worked for twenty-six years in the Engineering Department closed. I knew I had to take a different direction in my life.
I began taking classes and soon looked forward to every challenge that clay and glazes presented. I took classes at Caldwell Community College, then went to Western Piedmont Community College where I completed my Associates Degree in Applied Science with my concentration in Professional Crafts Clay on March 5, 2007.
I am blessed with a wonderful and supportive family. My son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Amanda, are also potters that plan to work with me in my shop as time allows.
I make more traditional and functional pieces of pottery, which reflects my country up-bringing. I think pottery is beautiful to look at, but just as beautiful to bake and serve your family and guests. I have worked with cone 10, but currently I am concentrating on cone 6 glazes; which I am finding some beautiful combinations for cone 6 glazes. I also like doing Raku as decorative pieces, using the copper and beige crackle effects. I hope to one day to have a groundhog kiln and expand my glaze pallet at home to include cone 10.
I am proud to be a Southern, North Carolina potter. Prayfully, I plan to have my shop open this fall or winter at 2512 Crossview Lane, Lenoir, N.C. Also, I currently have pottery at BearPaw Trading Company, Inc., Taylorsville, North Carolina.
