Biography
Sam Taylor has been making pottery in the foothills of the Berkshires for over 25 years. He is a self described "slow potter," making pots on his foot powered treadle wheel and firing them in his wood fired kiln. Sam is a studio potter and has performed all the associated tasks that go along with that title: exhibitor, teacher, organizer, builder and promoter.
Sam received his BA in Art History from Beloit College in 1987. In 1998 he started building kilns, wheels and studios in Gloucester, MA and at the Stonepool Pottery in Worthington, MA. Sam built the wood kiln and studio in Westhampton, MA in 1997, where he currently lives and works with his wife and three boys. His pottery has been shaped by Michael Simon and further influenced by Mark Shapiro and Michael Kline.
Statement
Pottery, art and collaboration are the main ingredients in Sam's life. Sam's work is about discovering, experiencing and getting to know all the ways these ingredients go together. Sam believes, "Art feeds the soul. Pottery is soul food." The very simple & beautiful act of choosing a piece of pottery to start each day with is a life affirming meditation and a harbinger of balance and happiness.