Is It Really A Teapot?

Queen of Hearts Teapot by Michael Sherrill

Michael Sherrill is a ceramicist from North Carolina with an international reputation for his work.

Blue Teapot by Michael Sherrill

He got his start making teacups and teapots to sell at local craft fairs and souvenir shops in order to support his young family.

Two Sides of Tea by Michael Sherrill

Michael makes his home in the mountains of North Carolina and was initially inspired by the local folk pottery.

Red Lacquer Teapot by Michael Sherrill

I saw Michael’s work on display at the art gallery on the Arizona State University Campus.

Michael Sherrill

 In a video, Michael explains how he sculpts his ceramic pieces and talks about an innovative set of hand-held clay tools he has developed.  He made them for use in his own work but now they are sold to ceramic artists around the world under the label Mudtools.

My Moving Heart by Michael Sherrill

Although primarily self-taught Michael is now an instructor at the Penland School of Crafts. 

Leather Jacket Teapot by Michael Sherrill

Michael’s exploration of the teapot form began by making fully functional teapots but…..

Happy to See You Teapot by Michael Sherrill

he has pushed that idea to the extreme so that now sometimes his ceramic sculptures are barely recognizable as teapots.

Halcyon Teapot by Michael Sherrill

Michael says he is no longer interested in whether the teapot actually pours.  The most important thing is whether it is exciting visually.

Jacob’s Ladder Teapot by Michael Sherrill

This begs the question of whether something can actually be called a teapot if you can’t make or serve tea in it. When is a teapot not a teapot? 

Other posts………..

English Tea With The T-4s

Clay Conversations

A Giant Recycling Project