Potter

The 18th-century potter in America was a crucial figure, transforming raw clay into essential household items through a blend of artistry and practical skill. Their craft involved sourcing and preparing suitable clays, shaping vessels on a potter's wheel or by hand, and then firing them in kilns to achieve durability. This process demanded a keen eye for form, a steady hand, and an understanding of the chemical reactions involved in glazing and firing. The importance of these potters lay in their provision of fundamental goods for daily life: plates, bowls, storage jars, and jugs were indispensable for cooking, eating, and preserving food. In a time before mass production, local potters were often the sole suppliers of these necessities, making their work integral to the domestic economy and the self-sufficiency of colonial communities.