This past weekend, I made the drive out to Pittsboro for one of my favorite seasonal rituals: Mark Hewitt’s kiln opening. If you’ve never been, it’s part art show, part community gathering, and entirely magical. Rows of one-of-a-kind pots dotting the lawn under a giant tree, sunlight dappling the glaze—it’s pure North Carolina charm, and it never fails to leave me inspired.
There’s something special about Mark’s work. His forms are bold and elegant, and the surfaces tell stories: drips, ash deposits, and textures that reveal the dance between fire and earth. Every time I pick up one of his pieces, I can feel the intention and history in it. These are not just pots. They’re vessels with soul.
Pottery with Purpose
As a designer, I’m always looking for ways to bring meaning into a home. Anyone can fill a shelf with trendy decor, but handcrafted ceramics? That’s a different story. There’s an authenticity to it, a groundedness that connects people to their space in such a lovely, tactile way.A big jar in the entryway can feel like a quiet welcome. A wheel-thrown mug on an open shelf becomes part of your morning rhythm. Even a small bowl on a console table can pull double duty: catching your keys while adding unexpected beauty. It’s functional, yes, but also deeply expressive. That kind of quiet beauty doesn’t shout for attention. It just belongs.
Why Local Matters
I talk a lot about sourcing locally in my design work, and events like Mark’s kiln opening remind me exactly why. When you shop local, whether it’s pottery, upholstery, or vintage finds, you’re not just getting something beautiful. You’re investing in your community. You’re supporting someone’s craft, their passion, their livelihood.And let’s be honest: it feels so much better than clicking “Add to Cart.” Walking through the display, chatting with other folks who came out, seeing Mark in his element, it’s a whole experience. The kind of shopping that leaves you feeling more connected, not more cluttered.
Wabi-Sabi and the Charm of Imperfection
One of the reasons I gravitate toward pottery, especially wood-fired work like Mark’s, is that it embraces imperfection. No two pieces are exactly alike. The glazes might pool a little thicker here, or thin out there. A tiny thumbprint might live under the handle. Those are the details that make a piece sing.
In design, we often chase symmetry and polish, but sometimes it’s the unexpected elements that breathe life into a room. That’s why I love bringing in handmade ceramics. They introduce texture, warmth, and a bit of wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in the imperfect and impermanent.
A Peek Behind the Process
One of the coolest parts of the visit? Seeing the kiln itself. Mark uses a massive wood-fired kiln that takes days to load, fire, and cool down. It’s a reminder of how much labor and patience goes into each and every piece. This isn’t fast or easy work. It’s slow, intentional, and rooted in tradition.
When we design homes, we often talk about layers: layering color, texture, materials, memories. Handmade pottery brings all of that in spades. And when you know the story behind the piece? It adds even more depth.
Bringing Pottery Into Your Home
If you’re new to collecting pottery, don’t overthink it. Start with a piece that makes you smile. Maybe it’s a mug that feels just right in your hands, or a bowl that practically begs to live on your kitchen table. Let the piece guide you.
And don’t save the good stuff for company! Use it. Display it. Let it be part of your everyday rhythm. Beauty belongs in the mundane as much as it does in the momentous.
So yes, I left Mark’s kiln inspired, as always. Inspired by the craft, by the community that showed up to support it, and by the reminder that beautiful things don’t have to be flashy or perfect. They just have to be real.
If you’re thinking about adding some soulful touches to your space, whether that’s locally made pottery or something else entirely, I’d love to help. My job is to take the guesswork out of decorating and help you create a home that feels like you. Let’s bring in the beauty, the function, and maybe a little bit of magic, too.
Julie
