Pottery with a new twist on tradition.
Maine native Richard Johnson creates unique wheel thrown pottery jugs and clay sculptures adorned with clever faces and folk art embellishments where no two are alike. He will demonstrate his work on Monday, June 13 at 11 a.m. at Market Square Shows in Oaks, Pennsylvania.
Johnson and his wife operate and sell Johnson’s work locally, nationally and abroad from their Rockland studio, Camden Pottery.
Hand-sculpted pottery by Camden Pottery Johnson Gallery.
“Richard’s work is a unique combination of hand-thrown clay and sculpture on one piece. Yet it’s still handmade in the traditional manner using materials, skills and processes of potters from centuries ago,” says Kathy Goodrich, president of Market Square. “His pieces have strong appeal because today’s consumers are looking for a new twist on the old – a product trait that buyers look for in stocking their stores.”
For Johnson, there’s no novice in his title. He’s been professionally throwing and building with clay since opening his first studio in Portland after graduating in 1973 with a BA in art. Over the years, he kindled a renewed interest in raku firing, participated as a guest sculptor in the castle at Walt Disney World, started several pottery studios, and now teaches high school art students.
Pottery by Richard Johnson.
In the seventies Johnson crafted a popular collection of Maine blueberry pottery that continues to be sold in the gift shops at Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. “This blueberry pottery can be found on the secondary market generally from Ebay,” says Johnson. “It has also shown up in antique shops which is a good example of how long the collection has been around in Maine and the U.S.”
A sculptor of mermaids, Johnson creates a life-sized mermaid for the annual Maine Lobster Festival, an event that he and his family have been involved in for over 35 years.
Potter and sculptor, Richard Johnson with one of his life-sized mermaids handmade for the Maine Lobster Festival.
Other artists participating in the series of demonstrations include Loomination, McQuinna’s Cupboard, Angels of heART, Jason Wolff Pottery, and Christopher’s Creative Designs. For more information about Richard Johnson visit his website at www.camdenpottery.com
Market Square’s wholesale show in Valley Forge/Oaks, Pennsylvania will run from June 13-15 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and will include three wholesale ways to buy – order-writing, artisan gallery, and cash and carry.
Market Square showcases unique, one of a kind gift and home décor products in the traditional, farmhouse, primitive and vintage styles. Since 1989, they have been managing unique and successful wholesale shows throughout the country. Market Square is well known for shows in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; Madison, Wisconsin; Marlborough, Massachusetts; and Springfield, Ohio. Learn more about buying and exhibiting at Market Square Shows, and see a list of exhibitors at www.marketsquareshows.com
Hand-sculpted by Richard Johnson.