All contemporary potters face a common dilemma. Knowledgeable about many world traditions and free to make just about whatever they want, they must find some grounding, some basis for developing a cohesive, personal vision. Working in the mountains of North Carolina, Matt Jones has focused on the early folk stoneware of the Carolinas, as transmuted through fruitful apprenticeships with Todd Piker (CT) and Mark Hewitt (NC). Matt's pots are all functional - plates and pitchers, teapots and mugs, jars and planters, with bold forms and rich, earthy textures that echo the work of country masters from the Southern past. Decorated with flowing salt and alkaline glazes, and restrained slip-trailed and painted designs (reflecting Chinese and Native American influences), they are a delight to the eye and the hand.
North Carolinians are very serious about their pottery - some might say obsessive - and I'm sure that many collectors and aficionados will want this film to better understand the creative processes behind their treasures. For aspiring potters, "Celebrating the Cycle" provides sobering evidence of the extraordinary range of knowledge and skills that they must eventually master. And for those already well established in the craft, there will be something to learn here, as well as a lyrical affirmation of their life's work. Finally, the great beauty and clarity of this film make it a superb introduction to one of the world's oldest and most important professions.
"A lyrical and informative record of a versatile and talented young potter." -- Mark Hewitt, North Carolina Master Potter
"Celebrating The Cycle provides sobering evidence of the extraordinary range of knowledge and skills that aspiring potters must master." -- Dr. Charles Zug - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
"This video is well written and beautifully filmed. It should be on the shelf of every potter and pottery collector." -- Barbara Perry, Ph.D. - Curator of Decorative Arts, The Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC