August 2016 by Christina M.
I first discovered Jeremy Ayers' gorgeous, unique pottery in art and home decor shops around Burlington, VT. His pieces are artistic yet sturdy dishes you can use every day around the house. I was most struck by his elegant geometric designs in a neutral color palette. Most pottery sold in shops these days is heavy and thickly glazed in bright, chunky greens, blues, and purples. Ayers' aesthetic is more restrained and delicate. He uses thin washes of white, cream, or sage green glaze and plays with lines and modern geographic patterns, often letting the natural brown of the clay peek through. I was so taken with Jeremy Ayers' style that I had to visit his studio when a quick google revealed it's just a half hour outside Burlington. I know: traveling for pottery -- really?!? But his work is special and so different from what you typically find. So off we went to the charming New England town of Waterbury in pursuit of fired clay. The shop turned out to be adjacent to his studio with a good variety of pieces on offer -- platters, vases, mugs, plates, salt cellars, bowls, etc. There is also the opportunity to buy slightly imperfect seconds, which is good if you, like me, have a pottery jones without the budget to match. I didn't have the chance to meet the artist, which is for the best, as he probably would've found my fandom a little odd. Credit card is accepted (Square), and I left with a prized coffee mug and serving platter. If you're into handicrafts and supporting local artists while beautifying your home, I recommend stopping by. Since the shop is far from where I call home, I'll guess I'll be feeding the habit via his website.