John Burrison Reflects on Changing Gender Roles in Northeast Georgia Pottery for the AJC

John Burrison, curator of The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, was interviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) about the museum’s current exhibit on women potters, “The Men Won’t Tell Us Anything.” 

From the article:

“’Good clay deposits are critical, but there is more to the story than that,’ says folklorist John Burrison, curator of the museum. ‘It’s the power of these pioneer potters, their passion and commitment.’ Burrison wrote the definitive book on the subject, ‘Brothers in Clay: The Story of Georgia Folk Pottery’ ― the title another nod to the male domination of the field. He noticed one particular woman’s work early on, though.

“The late Arie Meaders was the grand dame of this world, and when she unleashed her muse at the age of 60, sparks flew from the kiln.

“’In the late 1960s, this extremely creative woman was doing extraordinary things,’ Burrison says. ‘Roosters, quails, other birds using colored glazes, not just the old alkaline glazes.'”

To read the full article, visit the AJC.

Candice Dyer, “Women potters of North Georgia step out of the long shadow cast by men,” AJC (March 1, 2020): https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/women-potters-of-north-georgia-step-out-of-the-long-shadow-cast-by-men/6WZXVWSZEJAMRP6WB6R24Q3FEY/