Reasons to Buy Handmade Pottery: Denise Joyal

About Denise:
She is an adjunct Professor at Wilson College, and decorates her functional ware with organic, inlaid designs that bleed into atmospheric surfaces. She has a pottery collection.

Why do you buy handmade pottery?
"I love objects made for use and admire good craftsmanship. Skill is required to make an object both beautiful and functional.  The infinite variations possible for a single object still amazes me.
I have a number of Lisa York originals including a lunch plate, tumbler, vase, and an early cup from her graduate student days. Her work always brightens the room and lightens my mood as I can’t help but smile when I think of Lisa’s warm, caring personality and her great smile.
I have a variety of pieces in my collection. The ones that mean the most are typically the ones I acquire directly from the maker, and ideally, I have some connection with them. Over time, it’s like having lunch with a friend, even when you’re alone."

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"Some of my favorite pieces from other potters include my “leaning” mugs from one of my mentors, Del Martin. We have half a dozen of these and they are in use daily.  I also love my “active” cup collection, which occasionally rotates, but these are in use in our house regularly.
 Other works in my collection include a lidded serving dish by John Glick and a “Sandbox” bowl by Mary Bowron. They are used more on special occasions. In daily use, I have a  sugar bowl by Joy Tanner and a lidded Nuka bowl by Joe Singwald that I use to hold tea bags. I also love my Troy Bungart bunny bowl. It’s always in use from jelly beans to sharpies, it’s held it all.
I could really talk all day about the wonderful pieces I’ve picked up over the years. I think objects can draw out memories, like a photograph. Pieces you find intimate acquaintance with daily, like a cup, can hold your memories for you, keeping them close at hand. This adds personal value to the object itself. If you have a connection with the maker, that adds layer to the narrative, making the work even more special."
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​How did you acquire a Lisa York piece of pottery?    Directly from Lisa

Find out more about Denise on: instagram and www.kilnjoy.com