Burly Potter

On our drive the coast we veered off the beaten path to visit the Burl Gallery in Kerby, Oregon. Do you know what a burl is? I didn't until today. It is a tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner. The gallery is full of creative tables, benches and art made from burls. Right in the middle of the gallery was a potter. When he started with this lump of clay, he had no idea what he was going to make. He said he was just going to listen to the clay. By the end of our time there, he had the beginnings of a lovely vase. He had sweet and patient eyes and voice that drew my son and his friend comfortably in to his space. We all enjoyed the presence of this Burly Potter.