Barbara Barnes, of Montoursville, began her pottery career in 1994. She is primarily self-taught, but feels that the lessons she took from Professor Vance McCoy of Lock Haven University, gave her the basic skills to build on. Barbara specializes in terra cotta garden vases, flower vases, unique art deco-style pottery and primitive pit-fired vessels. She also creates unique table-top water fountains. All are hand thrown and most are made of high fire stoneware, which she fires in an electric kiln multiple times until she gets the effects that are unique to her wares. An avid gardener, Barbara often gets her inspiration for color and design from her flower gardens, using the colors of nature. Barbara has been a member of the PA Guild of Crafters, the Coailition of Independent Artists and Artisans and the Bald Eagle Art League. She has also served on the Lycoming Art Council Board. Barbara also has shown her work at many Pennsylvania and New York state gift shops and galleries. She has been juried for many major arts festivals in Pennsylvania and New York. Barbara has now dedicated herself to teaching pottery in her own studio located in the Farm Shop Complex in Montoursville, PA. If interested in lessons, please stop by Emerald Falls Pottery teaching studio in The Barn or call 570-601-0283.
"My art vessels reflect a keen appreciation for nature in shapes and colors. I love to use interactive glazes, often firing multiple times until I get the results, which mimic the hues of earth, flora, fire and water combined. I am an avid gardener and often wander my gardens or walk in the woods for inspiration. Whether firing stoneware in my electric kiln or using pit firing methods, I hope my pottery will evoke thoughts of our beautiful earth when held in the sunlight."
