Village Craftsmen

170 Howard St.

Paradox Pottery

These pottery vessels from Paradox Pottery are created by Susan & Jim Whalen in their studio in North Carolina.  The relation of pattern and form is important in each piece.  The shapes come from an ancient and universal family of rounded forms.  The patterns are created by wax resist and the crystallization of salt and soda on the surface are intended to evoke images of an evolving planet --magnetic fields, ice crystals, molten metals, air and water currents.

All vessels are made from a natural, unrefined yellow clay.  Each piece is wheel-thrown, burnished and then coated with terra sigillata.  After bisque firing, the patterns are created with a resist and the vessel is fired in a raku kiln to 1400 degrees F.  They are then placed red-hot in sawdust where the actual pit firing takes place.  Many variables work together to give each pot a uniqueness that is impossible to duplicate. 

After firing, the pots are wet sanded to remove any residue, allowed to dry and then coated with a natural tung oil varnish to protect the surface and enhance the coloration.  The pots are bisque fired as high as possible for durability, but low enough to maintain the smooth surface and survive the thermal shock of pit firing.  Therefore, the clay is still porous and not meant to hold water. 

All Paradox Pots are priced by size (5"H X 7"W, or 6"H X 9"W).  However please keep in mind that these pots are all hand made, one at a time.  Sizes are approximate, and designs (pictured below) will vary somewhat.  

We keep in stock only a small assortment of the many designs and sizes available.  Most orders will take 6 - 8 weeks to fill.

Click on any photo to view a larger image.

"Abstract One" Pot:

"Abstract Three" Pot:

"Circles Two" Pot:

"Diagonal Canyon" Pot:

"Diamonds" Pot:

"Meteorite Pot:

"Polar One" Pot:

"Polar Three" Pot:

"Spotted" Pot:

"Suns One" Pot:

"Suns Two" Pot:

"Tempest One" Pot:

"Tempest Two" Pot: