Title: The Art of Functional Pottery: Stephen Procter’s Garden Vessels
In the world of ceramics, the debate between functional and nonfunctional pottery is ongoing. However, Vermont-based ceramist Stephen Procter blurs the lines with his large stoneware garden vessels, standing as tall as five feet and weighing up to 250 pounds. While they may not hold soil and plants like traditional flower pots, these sculptures serve a different purpose in the landscape.
Procter believes that his creations offer a unique form of functionality, inviting contemplation and inspiration in the garden. Drawing inspiration from seed pods, hives, and cocoons, his organic shapes harmonize with the natural surroundings, becoming focal points that interact intimately with garden visitors.
With over 20 years of experience in transforming outdoor spaces with his ceramics, Procter has witnessed the transformative power of these sculptures. From marking transitions between garden areas to creating center points that radiate harmony, his vessels play diverse roles in garden design.
For Procter, the process of creating these large vessels is a meticulous one, taking about three weeks from start to finish. The firing process, reaching temperatures of 2,340 degrees, ensures the durability of the pieces in all seasons. And while some may see them as mere ornaments, Procter’s clients view them as barometers, mirrors, company, and sentinels in their gardens.
As Procter continues to teach and inspire others to explore the world of large-scale pottery, his work stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of art and nature in the garden. Just like writing music, but in clay, his creations resonate with a sense of balance, flow, and rhythm that enriches the outdoor spaces they inhabit.