About Us
Larry Riffle has been a potter in West Virginia since 1985.
Artist’s Statement on display in the Riffle Pottery gallery in Cowen, WV.
Larry and “the Dragon” kiln
My interest in clay became my passion upon taking my first pottery class at the age of 30. I am continually learning new ways of building kilns, mixing clay, turning pots, glazing, or burning the pots.
Growing up in rural Webster County, I learned at an early age the value of anything handmade. In my mind, handmade meant quality. The handmade items came with a connection, a relationship between the person who made them and myself. The quilts my grandmothers quilted, their braided rugs, the toys, the Christmas ornaments my grandfather made us. These are things that connect me with the past as well as the present. A connection with the past that helps us know who we are.
The majority of my work is functional stoneware and porcelain, which shows the influence of growing up in rural West Virginia. Functional pottery is useful, working pottery, pieces made to be touched, held and used as well as admired. The beauty of my work can be found in the form, glaze, and its functional characteristics.
The significance of my work is that each piece is handmade. The clay bodies I use are blended by me from clays mined in several states as well as other countries. The clay is then formed into its shape by hand using a traditional potter’s wheel. After completely drying, the pieces arc bisque fired to allow easier application of the glaze. The glaze is then applied by hand and allowed to dry before loading the pieces into the kiln. The pieces are then burned in the kiln to 2,300 degrees, giving the pottery individual character as well as durability.
Thank you for making Riffle Pottery your choice for fine quality pottery.
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