Artist Statement: In my pottery practice, I am captivated by alternative firing techniques such as raku, horsehair, and saggar firing. Each method introduces unpredictability and excitement, transforming raw clay into expressive pieces that showcase nature’s beauty.
These techniques allow me to transcend traditional ceramics. I cherish the magical transformations that occur during firing, where heat, smoke, and materials interact to create distinct textures and colors. Each piece surprises viewers with its uniqueness, engaging them in the creative process.
As you explore my work, I hope you connect with the land and the hands that shaped it. My pottery invites you to appreciate the beauty of imperfection and the thrill of alternative firing techniques, inspiring a dialogue about art and craft. Thank you for joining me on this creative journey with clay.
Joseph Taylor • Ceramic Artist
Joey is an island native and a passionate local potter who shares his expertise as a pottery instructor. Committed to his craft and eager to share his passion, he exhibits his artwork at La Petite Gallery, highlighting his handmade ceramics.
**Bio:** Joey takes pride in the fact that he was born in the historic city of Charleston, SC. Although you would never know it now, Joey weighed only 3 lbs at birth and spent 6 weeks at MUSC in Charleston before coming home to Hilton Head Island.
His upbringing in the low country deeply connected him with nature. Scouting was pivotal during his adolescence, culminating in his achievement of the Eagle Scout rank prior to his graduation from Bluffton High School. His love for the outdoors inspired him to become a naturalist at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, where he ran the “gator boat nature tour.” His friendly nature helped him thrive in educating visitors about the island's wildlife and ecosystem.
Since the studio began in 2012, Joey has played various roles in its growth. In 2021, when his parents refocused the studio on pottery, he left his position in Sea Pines to commit fully to Hilton Head Pottery. Creating and teaching pottery is now his life's work. Joey has a natural talent for teaching, and his extensive experience helps him effectively demonstrate clay-working techniques. Like his father, he is passionate about alternative firing methods, and together, these engaging yet sometimes challenging techniques have become the focal point of their collaborative artistic endeavors.
Joey proudly exhibits his pottery for sale at La Petite Gallery in Bluffton.
Alternative Firing
Horsehair
Pulling the pot from the kiln at 1250° we quickly apply horsehair to the pot creating a carbon mark for decoration
Saggar
With a nod to an ancient method of protecting pottery here we introduce the pottery to the atmosphere.
Naked Raku
Not a racy as it sounds…this method of firing pottery creates a totally random black & white pattern on the surface