Meet the Asheville Artist Who Turns Clay Into Art and People Into Potters
From the moment you see her work inside the Village Potters Gallery, it is clear that Judi Harwood has mastered the craft of ceramics. Surprisingly, her journey into pottery began later in life.
After moving to Asheville, Judi enrolled in her first pottery class in 1999. That single class sparked a passion that soon transformed into a career. Today, she shares her love of clay through demonstrations and classes at The Village Potters Clay Center, where she continues turning clay into art and people into potters.
Discovering a Passion for Pottery
How did you begin your journey as a clay artist?
Unlike many ceramic artists, Judi did not grow up dreaming about the pottery wheel.
Instead, she signed up for a pottery class with a friend before that friend moved away. They simply wanted to spend time together and try something new.
However, the moment Judi touched wet clay on the wheel, everything changed.
“I was hooked,” she explains.
Soon after, she purchased a used pottery wheel and placed it in the corner of her garage. That small space became her first studio.
Demonstrating the Magic of Raku Firing
What’s your favorite demonstration to perform at The Village Potters?
Judi loves demonstrating raku and horsehair raku firing techniques.
During raku firing, artists remove pottery from the kiln while it remains extremely hot. They then place the glowing pieces into combustible materials.
As flames rise and smoke swirls, audiences often gather to watch the dramatic process unfold.
Horsehair raku creates an entirely different spectacle. When horsehair touches the hot pottery, it burns instantly and leaves delicate carbon lines across the surface.
“The sight and smell of the horsehair burning always sparks questions,” Judi says. “The excitement spreads quickly. The fun becomes contagious.”
Experimenting With Alternative Firing Techniques
What is the most experimental way you’ve fired your creations?
Judi constantly encourages curiosity in her classes. In fact, experimentation often leads to surprising results.
While teaching an Alternative Firings class, she and her students asked a simple question: What would happen if we tried this?
Together, they tested several unusual materials.
They mixed mica powder into clay. They added cornshucks, cat food, and coffee to their saggars. They even dumped mica powder into an Obvara brew at the last minute.
Some experiments changed nothing. Others created unexpected textures and patterns.
“Sometimes the results are magical,” Judi says.
Creating With Intention on the Pottery Wheel
Do you always know what you will create before you begin?
Most of the time, Judi begins with a clear plan.
She weighs and wedges clay carefully before sitting at the wheel. Each measurement matches a specific size or form.
Often she works on commissions, wholesale orders, or pieces for the Village Potters Gallery.
However, every so often she allows herself to experiment.
“I just throw and see what happens,” she says.
Those spontaneous sessions often inspire new shapes that later join her permanent collection.
Advice for Beginning Pottery Artists
What advice would you give someone starting pottery?
Judi offers encouragement to every new artist who sits at the wheel.
“We all start at the beginning,” she says. “Don’t get discouraged.”
She recommends starting with a pottery class, where beginners can learn techniques while building confidence.
One of the best places to begin in Asheville is The Village Potters Clay Center, where Judi regularly teaches workshops and demonstrations.
“I love making pottery,” Judi says with a smile. “But I love making potters even more.”
Upcoming Pottery Classes in Asheville
From June 6 through July 7, Judi Harwood will host a six-week wheel-throwing class for beginners.
The class takes place every Monday from 1:30 PM to 4 PM at The Village Potters Clay Center in Asheville.
Students will learn the fundamentals of throwing pottery while exploring creativity with clay.
To follow Judi’s work, visit her Instagram at @rakupotterjudiharwood. You can also explore upcoming workshops and demonstrations at thevillagepotters.com.
