In November 2018, inspired by his shots of a recent boating trip to Ecor Rouge, our Academy Director Reanna Watson reached out to Zach Sierke, a local potter and long time instructor with ESAC, to begin discussing the possibility of an excursion based workshop: A Wild Clay Expedition. Reanna recalls, “As children, my brother and I explored Steadman’s Landing, Fly Creek, and the beaches of Montrose, celebrating the sensation of clay and sand beneath our feet and allowing our vast curiosity to overtake the little caution we possessed.”
Zach, a descendant of Homer Howard, has responded to the same coastline and creek bed with the heart of an artist, the mind of a scientist, and the obligation of a historian. His knowledge of geology and the chemistry that supports the principles of atmospheric firing, paired with his instinctual connection to the land, made Zach the perfect leader for this expedition.
Our primary goal was to utilize the unadulterated, unique environment of the Eastern Shore as an extension of our ESAC studios. Our secondary goal was to create a workshop that would appeal on a national level, attracting potters and ceramicists from around the region.
Over the next few months, we promoted the workshop at the Alabama Clay conference, through social media, and our website. Using the amazing photos of site visits and wild clay deposits from the area (photo credit: Zach Sierke and Leigh Bancroft), the workshop gained in popularity not only within the artist community, but with geologists, archaeologists, and novice explorers.
Yes I would like to participate next time.
Great! Please send an email to our Academy Director, Reanna Watson, at reanna@esartcenter.org. When we schedule another or something similar, she will give you a heads up!
Would love to attend!
Great! Please send an email to our Academy Director, Reanna Watson, at reanna@esartcenter.org. When we schedule another or something similar, she will give you a heads up!
Great piece! I felt like I was along for the excursion. Who wrote this gem? I didn’t see a name. They should have a byline! If there’s a boat ride in the next session, I’m down!
Thanks, Alan! Our Academy Director, Reanna Watson, was our blog creator this month. She is an amazing writer!
How wonderful!!
I live in Montrose half a year and have collected shards at low tide for 10 years! Would love to get the geological, clay gathering and historical information.
Next spring would be great for me, if there’s another excursion then..
Hi Marjorie! We would love to have you on our next excursion. Our Academy Director and Zach Sierke are currently working on a date for upcoming excursions. You will be added to the contact list. I am sure the group would love to see your collection! Thanks!
Are you already full? I’ve not really done any pottery but would like to learn more. Especially about what can be found locally.
Hi Raquel! We actually just scheduled another workshop for April: https://esartcenter.org/product/wild-clay-expedition-with-zach-sierke/