There is a new artist in Art Crossing, Erin Cramer. We are thrilled to
have her in 201 Studios and she is definitely an artist you'll want to
meet. It's always fascinating to watch a potter at work, and her
pleasant personality will draw you in even more. While she is usually
covered in mud up to her elbows, she is still able to sit and carry on
a conversation and answer questions while her hands remain busy at
work. You'll be pleased to know when you meet her that she enjoys
teaching classes as well.
Erin showed her talent early on as she was hired to help in a pottery
shop in Genoa, Ohio at the age of 14. She worked as an assistant
cleaning greenware, loading kilns, glazing pots and whatever else was
needed to keep things running smoothly. She learned how to throw pots
on the potter’s wheel by Jan Pugh at the pottery shop and she also
studied ceramics at Bowling Green State University.
Erin moved to South Carolina in 2006 to study Art History at Converse
College. After graduating in May, 2010 she worked as an Administrative
Assistant at the Spartanburg Art Museum. While she was passionate
about a career in the art history field she couldn’t quite let go of
her dream to become a full time studio potter. If she wasn’t busy
working at the museum or teaching pottery classes she was in the
garage making pots until the wee hours of the night. Thanks to the
support of her friends and family she was finally convinced to take
the plunge and pursue her dream.
After a recent trip to northern Italy, she was inspired by the great
amount of detail Italians put into the presentation and service of
their meals and occasions. Covering the table in beautiful pottery,
filling it with great food, and surrounding it all with laughter and
chatter amongst friends and family is what making pottery is all
about. “I like to play a small part in making this all happen by
creating utilitarian ware” says Erin. She is off to Italy once again,
Southern Italy this time, and is hoping to draw inspiration from the
renowned ceramics of the Amulfi Coast and its beautiful atmosphere.
You can look forward to seeing her new collection of pottery inspired
by this trip. She is planning on making large pieces used in
entertaining. Punch bowls and mugs, serving platters, carafes - just
the sort of thing that would look great on a dining room table filled
with guests for the holidays. So next time you are at a Farmer's
Market, filling your arms with fresh produce while talking to the
person who planted them, why not make your next stop be a stroll down
Art Crossing.
Stop into Studio 201 and look for the potter’s studio in the back.
Erin has a growing collection on display and specializes in custom
pieces. Her handmade pottery goes great with homemade food.
You can reach Erin at: 304-906-8813, erinleecramer@gmail.com or
through her website, http://erincramer.com
