J. D. Heatwole Pottery
Rockingham Co.
1851
John D. Heatwole was my great-great-great grandfather and my grandmother’s collection of his works were ever present in my childhood. His studio was located along dry river in western Rockingham County were he gathered raw materials to create his clay and glazes. The Archeological Society of VA has preserved a kiln site across the river from where Potter John lived and perhaps even fired his own pottery.
I guess you can say pottery is in my blood. I’ve always appreciated the artistry of his work and after taking a pottery class at Eastern Mennonite University I discovered a passion to continue to create functional pottery for everyday use. I own one piece of Potter John’s work and it’s presence in my collection is a major inspiration to my own work. I call my pottery production “Hot Flash Pottery.” No, it is not a firing process but rather a season in my life which I’ve chosen to embrace.
