The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Legislature

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  • Jeff Diehl works on a piece of pottery at Lockbridge Pottery. Diehl invites visitors to come by Lockbridge Pottery from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. The event will give attendees a glimpse behind the scenes of pottery production and a chance to try their hand at throwing on a treadle wheel or entering a contest for a pottery prize. The business is located at 1274 Lockbridge Road near Meadow Bridge. For more information, visit his website at www.lockbridgepottery.com or call 304-484-7150. Submitted photo

    potter
September 2, 2010

Potter Jeff Diehl has kept wheel turning for 30 years

Lockbridge Pottery

By Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter

Area potter Jeff Diehl is celebrating 30 years of Lockbridge Pottery and making what he calls “hand-made objects that feed the soul.”

Commenting about his overall aesthetic, Diehl says he is “striving for functional beauty.” He explained that he likes to create bread pans, bowls, pitchers and other items that can be used in the household. “I intend for people to have my pots in their hands every day or in a place where they can enjoy the life I put into the work.”

His desire to make functional art has led him to create custom ceramic installations, from murals and fireplace surrounds to bathroom sinks. If a customer wants something designed for their home or office, even a large fountain, he designs a piece according to their wishes. Diehl boasts that “if it can be made from clay, I will make it.”

In all of his work, he said, he has “assimilated the art of generations of potters. I’ve worked in Germany, Korea and China and feel a very strong connection with the ceramic traditions from the East and West.”

Being an American potter in the 21st century, he said, enables him to work with “freedom” and “unlimited possibilities.”

In an upcoming studio show, Diehl is exploring a new line of large pots. “The new large vases and covered jars are different from anything I have done,” he said.

He is also finishing a series of large decorative, yet functional, serving pieces. On these unique items, he uses crystal glazes, glazes that grow diverse and complex crystal patterns during the firing process.

As always, his work exhibits “beauty in function” and is “appealing to the hand, heart and eye.”

The artist is excited about keeping his wheels turning and kilns burning for 30 years. “It seems like a major accomplishment to have supported ourselves making pots for this long,” he said. “The support that my customers have provided over the last 30 years is phenomenal and I am grateful for every pot purchased that allows me to pursue this addiction/infatuation.”

Diehl invites visitors to come by Lockbridge Pottery from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. The event will give attendees a glimpse behind the scenes of pottery production and a chance to try their hand at throwing on a treadle wheel or entering a contest for a pottery prize.

Lockbridge Pottery is located at 1274 Lockbridge Road near Meadow Bridge. For more information about Diehl, visit his website at www.lockbridgepottery. com or call 304-484-7150.

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Legislature
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  • potter Potter Jeff Diehl has kept wheel turning for 30 years

    Area potter Jeff Diehl is celebrating 30 years of Lockbridge Pottery and making what he calls “hand-made objects that feed the soul.”

    September 2, 2010 1 Photo

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