Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Here it is, my anniversary present.  I have been wanting a face jug for years, and I finally got to bring one home with me. And, of course, it had to be made by Jerry Brown. I am aware that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this thing is slap-dab beautiful to me.  There were several to choose from, and it took a while to pick this one out. I have named it Henry. I think I will start a new tradition of buying a face jug every year on my anniversary. Henry even looks good from behind. Right now, Henry is sitting on the buffet in the dining room, a spot where he will be seen by anyone visiting during the holiday season.

Jerry Brown is in his early seventies, and has been making pottery since he was a child.  For twenty years he worked in another profession, because it was hard to make a living selling pottery then. He estimates he has made at least a million pieces of pottery. It is a special day when you can watch a master at his work.  Mr. Brown started with a seven pound lump of clay, and in two minutes, created this vase. It's all in the hands, he tells us.  You have to make a thousand before you feel it. A thing of beauty,  made from a lump of clay and the hands of a master potter.

Jerry Brown's Pottery Shop is located just a few miles from Hamilton, Alabama.  It is a beautiful place. There are shelves and tables of gorgeous pottery. Because it was Black Friday, Mr. Brown was offering 10% off everything in the store.  I really wanted one of each item, but I had to settle on one thing for my anniversary gift.  Decisions, decisions. Mr. Brown was also giving tours.  Here, he is explaining to Hub about how clay is turned until it is the consistency of play dough. Mr. Brown uses this mixer turned by a mule, just like his daddy did for many years. The elder Mr. Brown had Jerry helping with the pottery making when he was a very young child. Above: Mr. Brown with his mule, Blue.  Blue is thirty years old, and has been mixing clay for twenty eight and a half years.  Mr. Brown uses this gas powered kiln, and he also has two electric ones.  He told us the color of the glazes they use change according to which kil...