Jennifer Mecca, Potter

I am a utilitarian potter. My goal is to create pots that are visually pleasing and unique in character, but also useful in everyday life. I enjoy making serving pieces and tableware that bring delight to the daily activity of eating, setting a table and enjoying a meal.

I was born in upstate New York and moved to the Piedmont of South Carolina in my late teens. I earned a BFA in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, and later returned to school at East Carolina University to complete a BFA and MFA in Ceramics. I am currently a fulltime studio potter and teach classes and workshops part time.

While growing up, I spent many weekends observing and participating in the traditions and rituals of my paternal Italian-American extended family. Among the most prevalent of these traditions were the preparation and presentation of elaborate meals. As a child, I observed how the tableware was as important as the planning, preparation and enjoyment. This served as the foundation for my interest in utilitarian pottery and love of creating elaborate surfaces and forms.

I have been a studio assistant for Silvie Granitelli at Penland School of Craft in Penland, North Carolina, and have attended several clay conferences, including The International Clay Conference in Helsinki Finland. In 1996, I studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia, Estonia and Finland though an exchange program sponsored by East Carolina University.

I have participated in several nationally juried craft and pottery shows throughout the country. I have taught college level ceramic classes as well as children’s clay classes. I have been published in Ceramics Monthly, Clay Times, “500 Cups” , “Introducing Ceramics” and “Pottery Making Illustrated”. My work is displayed in several fine craft galleries on the East Coast. I currently teach at a Private School in Gastonia , North Carolina where I live with my husband Joey, my son Quaid and twin daughters Aydan and McKenna.