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Artists Ready For First Tour De Clay

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By SHERRI LONON IN THE LOOP

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2008

Jack Boyle carries on a conversation in his San Antonio pottery studio while working at the wheel. His hands move so deftly as he crafts shapely bowls from lumps of clay that they almost belie the talent required for the job.

After more than three decades behind the potter's wheel, Boyle's abilities are finely honed, as evidenced by the dozens of finished pieces sitting on shelves.

Boyle, who has owned San Antonio Pottery since 1977, said he was always drawn to art, but not necessarily pottery. When he was about 5, he visited a relative in North Carolina, who worked in the field.

"I didn't think it made a huge impact on me," he said, adding that his focus was on drawing.

Years later, when Boyle was enrolled in the University of South Florida's fine arts program, he found himself sitting in front of a wheel. He explained that fine arts majors had to take a number of "studios" or related classes for their degrees. This meant he was not only exposed to drawing, but also printing, photography, sculpting and ceramics. It was the ceramics class that would end up shaping his life.

"It was my first real exposure," he said. "I was immediately attracted. I had to do it."

By the time the six-week class was over, Boyle couldn't get enough. "I was so passionate about it."

Shortly after graduation, Boyle and his soon-to-be-wife, Deborah, stumbled upon San Antonio by "happenstance." Boyle eventually moved into his studio at 11903 Curley Road and moved to the area. He has worked as a full-time, professional potter ever since out of the location he discovered back in the 1970s.

Boyle's work is considered functional pottery. This means he specializes in creating pieces that are not only designed to be aesthetically pleasing, but also usable. His vases, bowls, goblets and other tableware designs are dishwasher safe and lead-free. He knows the latter for certain as he only works with glazes he himself creates.

Boyle is one of several members of the Florida Westcoast Ceramics Society who will open up their studios for the first-ever Tour De Clay. The event, which runs Dec. 13-14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will give participants a chance to meet area potters, tour their studios, buy pieces and see the artists in action.

"It's a first of its kind," Boyle said. "This is a unique opportunity for the general public to see how pottery is really made."

The tour involves four studios spread out over the Tampa Bay area. A total of 13 artists will show their work and give demonstrations during the two-day event.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Peter Streit, who is organizing the tour. "The Tour De Clay is about actually presenting our work for sale. It's a studio tour in every sense of the words. There's nothing like this in the Southeast."

Streit said the potters in the event range from those who routinely show their work, like Boyle, to academics who almost never display their works to the general public.

"We have quite a diverse group," he said, adding this is son, Joshua, 7, will also have pieces on display.

The self-guided tour begins at 10 a.m. Dec. 13. Saturday will include a full day of displays, with each studio opening its kiln at a specific time. Sunday will include live demonstrations.

The kiln openings, Streit said, will be the crowning moments of the tour.

"Every time I do it, it's almost like Christmas," he said, noting that potters cannot be 100 percent certain of the outcome until the kiln is opened. "I put an incredible amount of work into the firing and it's the firing process that brings the pot to life. The public gets to come and see that. They can actually pick pots right out of the kiln."

The Tour De Clay is free of charge to participants. For more information, visit tampatourdeclay.com or call Streit at 253-6055.

Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or slonon@mediageneral.com.

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