Jill Carway , owner of Silver Pail Pottery, displays a piece of her art.
Robin Carway assists her daughter promote her art and her business.
By Lee Kieseling
Special Contributor
A mug is a mug. Right? Wrong! My mug had the right heft, fit my hand,
and most importantly, held a large cup of coffee. A special part of my
morning ritual, we woke up together for almost three decades before I lost
my old friend to an unforgiving tile floor.
After a futile search for a replacement, my long quest ended at a
craft fair last year. Drawn to the colorful designs, I spotted a booth
offering handmade pottery. I steeled myself for disappointment, but was
pleased when I slipped my fingers around a weighty mug with a wide mouth
and found my hand right at home. The best feature was this mug would hold
16 oz. of liquid. Perfection! I picked my color, and having found a quality
product, I surveyed the rest of the merchandise.
Exhibited were household items and other creations in eye-catching
colors. I had to ask, "Who is the designer?" Expecting to hear about an
oldster from Vermont, the young cashier, Jill Carway, introduced herself as
designer and owner of Silver Pail Pottery. I learned that this driven
woman, earned her degree in Ceramics at Winthrop University, where she
learned a great deal from Master Potter, Jim Connell and others.
The 24-year old showed talent and a flair for the work but I was
astounded at her professional organization. Offering a catalog and website,
(www.silverpailpottery.com) this full-service operation ships to anywhere
and if I signed her mailing list, I'd be informed of upcoming events at her
studio. "Studio? You have a studio?" Duly impressed. I took her business
card. "Your studio is in Summerville?" I couldn't believe my luck to find
such local talent.
When I commented on the obvious business savvy, Carway admitted she
has a partner in her mom, Robin, who sees to the nuts and bolts of the
operation. Robin's business know-how equals Jill's artistic drive. Together
the women initiated a plan, with some help from Carway's father, and
literally built the inviting studio behind their home in Summerville.
I've been to the Silver Pail Pottery studio several times now and
enjoy a polished operation offering new designs and the signature colors
that distinguish Carway's work from typical pottery colors. The partners
continue planning to grow the business and exude enthusiasm for the work.
I casually asked about the lovely colors and was introduced to the
precarious effects of chemistry, atmosphere and temperature on glaze
quality and color. "These are no manufactured glazes." Proud mom says of
her daughter. "Jill creates all her own glazes."
"There's a constant struggle for balance," Jill laments. "To find the
right combination of metals to create a precise color. The biggest
challenge in being a fine crafter," Carway says "is creating the balance
between consistent quality of my art and offering a practical product that
will pay the bills."
Silver Pail Pottery designs are gaining recognition. Their work is
featured at the Charleston Crafts Gallery. In addition, Jill's pottery can
be purchased at the website and at popular events such as Flowertown
Festival, North Charleston Arts Festival, Palmetto Hands Exhibition,
Piccolo Spoleto and many more (refer to website for exhibitions and dates).
My introduction to the Carways taught me why my first mug was not
easily replaced. I learned that my old mug from Ireland was quality work
created by an artist. It was not only size and comfort I sought but a model
of functional art. Since my find at Silver Pail Pottery, I've purchased
many beautiful pieces at reasonable prices, which I enjoy using and
displaying as much as art I've obtained from art galleries. My advice to
mug hunters out there: Skip the search and indulge in affordable, quality
art here in Summerville.
