Beautiful & Functional Handmade Stoneware

I don't even know where to begin with this feature, mainly because I'm still in awe of his work. In fact, it took me forever just to select the pictures from his shop that I wanted to use as he has so many beautiful pieces to choose from. Like the Garlic Baker above, which seems to be a hot item and just one of several designs. He even includes a recipe in the listing. Yum.

Doug Smith is a full-time potter. He obviously knows his craft business well as his work definitely proves it. I came across Doug's shop over the weekend when I spotted him in a front page Treasury. I love stoneware, especially handmade, so I immediately went to his shop. I was floored, to say the least. The colors, designs, variety - so beautiful.

There are bowls, platters and plates. Cups, mugs and ladles. Honey jars, butter dishes and flower vases. Trust me, there's more. Like the Garlic Keeper below, which I bought and can hardly wait to put my garlic in. Don't worry, it wasn't the last one :)

Doug works from his home studio which is out in the country near Asheville, NC where he lives with his wife, Maria and young son, Clay (hmm, "Clay"... wonder where he got that name from?)

You must read his Profile as it is very interesting and well written. Here is a snippet: "This obsession with clay and glazes snuck up on me about ten years ago while I was busy making other plans with my life." And this is from his Shop Announcement: "I use white clay because, like a painter's canvas, it brings out the very best colors from my glazes. I mix my own glazes because the hue and visual texture of a glaze are so important and because I want to be sure my glazes are lab-certified safe for food."

There is so much more that I could say about Doug Smith's work, such as it is not only beautiful , creative and functional, but it is extremely affordable. I would much rather purchase my stoneware from a fellow artist than a store bought piece.

It's like owning a piece of art.

Rocki