This post contains affiliate links.
“Humans are not ideally set up to understand logic; they are ideally set up to understand stories.” ~ Roger C. Schank, Cognitive Scientist
Statement:
Since very young, I knew I wanted to be involved in the arts in some capacity. From coloring books, (frustrated I could never stay inside the lines) to sidewalk chalk drawings, to play dough, (myGod, play dough!) I would spend hours on end creating; thinking I was great. At least my mother said I was.
It wasn’t until much later, I found clay; grown-up play dough. I was attracted immediately, especially to hand-building. Unlike wood or stone or plaster, clay is relatively forgiving. Mistakes become stages of evolution. This is not to say clay doesn’t have its own temperament. The properties of clay and the fact it’s an organic substance gives it a personality and is therefore subject to its own dispositions. If the mood ring reads black, it’s best to just back away and find a nice coloring book.
The subjects I choose and the process of raku-firing are aspects of my work that have evolved over time. The animals I select have certain distinctions which lend themselves to my style. Simplicity in design and a touch of personification, brought together with the organic nature of raku brings the creatures to life.
People ask me, “Do you like animals?” Initially my response was, “Who doesn’t?”, but after some thought, I realized I do like animals. But it’s more than that. Respect…Awe…Fear? To say you just “like” animals is to trivialize their stature. I think they deserve more. All I can do is couple these feelings with the animal’s natural splendor to try to create something great. At the very least, my mother will think it is.
I graduated from Trinity College of Vermont with a BA in Craft/Art Entrepreneurship and now live and work in Southeast Arizona .
Exhibitions:
Arizona Handmade Gallery: Featured Artist, Flagstaff, AZ Spring 2018 & 2022
“To Phoenix with Love”, Group Show, The Collective Gallery, Phoenix, AZ Winter 2015
Niche Award Finalist Exhibit, Group Show, Washington, DC Winter 2015
Dia de Los Muertos, Group Show, Central School Project, Bisbee, AZ Fall 2014
Heather Green Studios Anniversary Show, Group Show, Bisbee, AZ Fall 2010-14
Alan Potter’s “Found”, Solo Show, Heather Green Studios, Bisbee, AZ Fall, 2013
Arizona Handmade Gallery: Featured Artist, Flagstaff, AZ Spring 2012
Alan Potter’s “One Odd Duck”, Solo Show, Panterra Gallery, Bisbee, AZ Spring 2012
Critters, Group Show, Shelburne Craft School, Shelburne, VT Spring 2007
Mountain Artist Guild Member Show, Group Show, Prescott, AZ Winter 2007
Animals in Art, Group Show, Prescott Fine Art Gallery, Prescott, AZ Fall 2006
Barns & Farms, Group Show, Barnsite Gallery, Kewaunee, WI Fall 2003
Anomalies, Solo Thesis Show, Trinity College of Vermont, Burlington, VT Spring 2000
Useless Clay, Group Show, Firehouse Gallery, Burlington, VT Spring 1998
Published Works:
“Hot From the Fire”: a personal essay on Raku, Mountain Artist Guild Web Newsletter Summer 2006
500 Clay Animals, Lark Publications, 2006
Alan on Facebook, @thelastpotter on Instagram, Alan’s blog “My Life In Shorts” on WordPress
Friend Request (Podcast) with Justin Lamb Ep. 46 on Story-Power
Moshe Mikanovsky, The Resurrector, Ep. 33 and 37 Story-Power
Dallas, Texas, Deep Ellum Art Festival
Austin, Texas Wonderspaces
Bisbee, Arizona Festival of Arts
Road Scholar Tours (Used to be Elder Hostel)
Tucson exhibit at La Encantada Mall
Reno Tahoe International Art Festival
Patreon
I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power podcast and Patreon communities so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. If you’re passionate about stories too, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower.
Saving the World One Story at a Time
The world is in such chaos right now that sometimes we need to get a perspective on what’s happening. I designed this course on Ûdemy for people who are looking for a way to get a better understanding about what we’re going through, and what it means to be a human being. Stories are one great way to walk in the shoes of the characters, connect with them emotionally for a short time but not have to live there. Not to mention it’s a pleasant way to learn. I hope to see you in class.
PodMatch
If you are a podcaster, or have a message or fantastic product you want to share with the world, I encourage you to check out PodMatch. Use the affiliate link and tell them, Lucinda sent you. Then contact me so we can set up a Story-Power chat.
Sage Woman Chronicles 