Thursday, May 03, 2012

If you've ever been to Riven Rock or read much about the ranch, you know we love to support local artisans and products. This week's vendor profile is to welcome our newest vendor, From the Earth Hill Country Pottery.

From the Earth is a labor of love for owner and artist Brian Burckhardt. Using Texas Balcones clay, Hill Country harvested rainwater, and ash from local trees, Brian throws pots, mugs, and any other vessel you can think of, making unique, one-of-a-kind works of art. In fact, we liked Brian's work so much we decided to have some Riven Rock mugs made. Hues range from mossy green to brown to blue based on the ash in the glaze.

Brian got his start in high school after taking a ceramics class on a whim. While attending Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Brian truly found his niche in the ceramics studio, throwing pots and other vessels, and mastering various techniques. Brian sites his love of his Hill Country surroundings for the inspiration for his artwork. As he writes on his website, "You'll see colors, textures, shapes, and forms in my work that mirror what I see, feel, hear, and touch every day." He continues, "To permanently transform clay with water and fire into something that can be seen, touched and experienced, brings me great satisfaction."

Tucked off of Highway 473 the gallery and studio is quite a sight itself. Made from an old barn from West Texas, it was disassembled, moved and rebuilt where it stands today. The gallery features not only Brian's work, but other local artisans, painters and metal artists. For the pottery enthusiast, classes and lessons are also available in the studio.

For more information, please visit www.hillcountrypottery.com.

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