[Chris Campbell]

I have just started a page on facebook called 'BUY Local Pottery'. It stems from my firm belief that the Buy Local movement is a perfect wagon for potters to hitch on to. If you want to buy your food from local farmers why not prepare and serve it in pottery made by local humans?

https://www.facebook...rd=true&__adt=6

I am asking potters to get the ball rolling by posting images of pottery being used on their own facebook pages ... show people drinking from them, eating off them, cooking with them. Lets raise the awareness of the intrinsic value of using items made with care. Next I'd like ideas for slogans, bumper stickers, t shirts .... I want to invite you all to participate in spreading the word that human made pots are better. I also probably need ideas on how to improve the page and get my message across as I am not a huge social media person.
Tell me what I am doing right or wrong ... send me an image to post of your pottery being used and I will gladly use it on the page.

By the way, there is absolutely nothing for sale, no profits to be made and no ulterior motives for me in promoting useful pottery. I myself only make decorative pottery but I use real pottery, made by dozens of different potters, several times a day.

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[phill]

cool project! i have no time to figure out a logo but i love doing that sort of thing.

[OffCenter]

I don't think hitching pottery promotion to the Buy Local movement makes much sense, even for someone (like I think you, Chris) who live in an area where potters are about as common as farmers. I'm not saying don't support your local potter, but I, and I think most people, buy a pot for its unique beauty, originally and as something to be treasured until the cat breaks it, not because some potter within 20 or so miles made it. I want my pots to sell in New York, Portland, San Franscisco, Denver, not just to the locals for their moonshine, and when I buy another mug it'll be a Steven Hill or an Adam Posnak or an Audrey Rosulek mug because their work blows me away not because of their location (none of them live within 1000 miles of me). What makes good sense for organic corn and beans and free range chicken doesn't necessarily apply to pottery. What makes sense for something you buy weekly doesn't necessarily make sense for something most people only occasionally buy, like art.

It may seem ironic that I'm writing this while the biggest pottery show in Georgia and several surrounding states (Fired Works) is going on right now only 6 miles from my house and that a good bit my yearly income will come from this show, but for the vast majority of the 50 potters in the show, it is not local and I'm pretty sure they hope most of the people coming to Fired Works don't include pottery in their Buy Local resolution.

Jim

[GEP]

Jim,

I actually agree with your points, I think we potters should be careful not to claim that buying local pottery will cure global warming. Our industry is so tiny compared to the things we NEED to buy all the time, like food. I also think it's better to buy a great pot from a few states away, over a mediocre pot made nearby.

For me, the value of a "buy local" campaign is that I know for sure it costs me far less money/time/effort/gasoline to sell my pots at local events, compared to packing and shipping them across the country. I think the real meaning of "buy local" is to encourage potters to "sell local." Focus your energy on finding and building a local market base. Kudos to Chris for launching another way for us to promote this way of thinking.

The messages we send to customers, encouraging them to buy from their local potters, should have everything to do with "civic pride" and nothing to do with "civic duty." I much prefer "potters make good neighbors" over "support your local potter." The latter sounds a little bit like begging. But of all the slogans pitched, my favorites are the ones that promote "handmade" and not necessarily "local." I love the STOP sign too! I would totally wear that t-shirt in my booth at an art festival.

Mea



(For anyone reading this who hasn't seen the thread about slogan ideas for potters:
http://ceramicartsda...r-april-8-2012/ )

[Chris Campbell]

“Ideas won’t keep, something must be done about them” Alfred North Whitehead

BUY Local Pottery is simply my idea to piggyback on the whole back to basics movement ... no committees, no planning sessions. I thought it was a good idea and I did something to get it rolling. I don't think it will solve every potter's problems with sales, but there is no downside on making everyone aware of local pottery whether the "local" aspect is the person making it or the local person who owns the store selling pottery. A rising tide lifts all ships.

[Seasoned Warrior]

Chris Campbell, on 18 April 2012 - 11:04 AM, said:

“Ideas won’t keep, something must be done about them” Alfred North Whitehead

BUY Local Pottery is simply my idea to piggyback on the whole back to basics movement ... no committees, no planning sessions. I thought it was a good idea and I did something to get it rolling. I don't think it will solve every potter's problems with sales, but there is no downside on making everyone aware of local pottery whether the "local" aspect is the person making it or the local person who owns the store selling pottery. A rising tide lifts all ships.

I like your page. I like supporting local business! A couple of years ago I got into the Small Business Saturday and I also support our First Friday (of each month) open sudio walk! I think that the idea is to support smaller businesses because they are the ones that actually support the local economy. I am in a tourist are and we have people here from all over the world visiting our small town. People will buy what they like regardless but it is also nice to offer something locally made that is a great alternative to the large chinese factory potteries that grind out tons of identical stuff with maybe a decal that has you locale on it. More power to you Chris and ignore the detractors they probably wish they had thought of it! I liked your "Buy Local" page and I like your own page: variety is the spice of life!

Regards,
Charles

[Chris Campbell]

Thanks for the encouragement!!
I don't have any problem with other opinions ... not everyone needs to buy into the idea or even think it's good. That is also why the page is not run by a committee!

[nancylee]

Chris Campbell, on 19 April 2012 - 03:42 PM, said:

Thanks for the encouragement!!
I don't have any problem with other opinions ... not everyone needs to buy into the idea or even think it's good. That is also why the page is not run by a committee!

I love this idea!! I just opened a small shop in upstate NY, and I carry all handcrafted and American made goods!! It is an idea whose time has come, I think. The response has been wonderful!! People love to by something made by a local talent. I even sell some of my simpler pottery; I am a newbie, still, so I have sold some plates, bowls, leaf plates, etc., simple and useful. I am always looking for new marketing opportunities, and I use Facebook and my own website and blog for showcasing items we carry.

Great job!!! I will take some pics of my simple items being used and forward them!
Nancy

[Pres]

nancylee, on 25 April 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:

Chris Campbell, on 19 April 2012 - 03:42 PM, said:

Thanks for the encouragement!!
I don't have any problem with other opinions ... not everyone needs to buy into the idea or even think it's good. That is also why the page is not run by a committee!

I love this idea!! I just opened a small shop in upstate NY, and I carry all handcrafted and American made goods!! It is an idea whose time has come, I think. The response has been wonderful!! People love to by something made by a local talent. I even sell some of my simpler pottery; I am a newbie, still, so I have sold some plates, bowls, leaf plates, etc., simple and useful. I am always looking for new marketing opportunities, and I use Facebook and my own website and blog for showcasing items we carry.

Great job!!! I will take some pics of my simple items being used and forward them!
Nancy

For the past 40 years during our marriage, whenever we went on vacations we would try to pick up souvenirs from the area. Not the birch canoe made in china, or the empire state building made in japan, but local art. Do you know how hard it is to find local art in some tourist areas? Most often impossible! When in Alaska 10 years ago we went looking for something in a famous road house-Did find a really nice hand made mug that had nothing to relate to Alaska on it, but really nice. We also purchased a dark green standard mug with a sandblasted image and name for Rita's Roadhouse on it. Maybe we as local artists need to sign our work also with place of origin so that people can remember where they got something in a local shop when they are breezing through.

[OffCenter]

Pres, on 25 April 2012 - 09:52 AM, said:

nancylee, on 25 April 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:

Chris Campbell, on 19 April 2012 - 03:42 PM, said:

Thanks for the encouragement!!
I don't have any problem with other opinions ... not everyone needs to buy into the idea or even think it's good. That is also why the page is not run by a committee!

I love this idea!! I just opened a small shop in upstate NY, and I carry all handcrafted and American made goods!! It is an idea whose time has come, I think. The response has been wonderful!! People love to by something made by a local talent. I even sell some of my simpler pottery; I am a newbie, still, so I have sold some plates, bowls, leaf plates, etc., simple and useful. I am always looking for new marketing opportunities, and I use Facebook and my own website and blog for showcasing items we carry.

Great job!!! I will take some pics of my simple items being used and forward them!
Nancy

For the past 40 years during our marriage, whenever we went on vacations we would try to pick up souvenirs from the area. Not the birch canoe made in china, or the empire state building made in japan, but local art. Do you know how hard it is to find local art in some tourist areas? Most often impossible! When in Alaska 10 years ago we went looking for something in a famous road house-Did find a really nice hand made mug that had nothing to relate to Alaska on it, but really nice. We also purchased a dark green standard mug with a sandblasted image and name for Rita's Roadhouse on it. Maybe we as local artists need to sign our work also with place of origin so that people can remember where they got something in a local shop when they are breezing through.

I think I'd prefer the birch canoe.

Jim

[nancylee]

Pres, on 25 April 2012 - 08:52 AM, said:

nancylee, on 25 April 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:

Chris Campbell, on 19 April 2012 - 03:42 PM, said:

Thanks for the encouragement!!
I don't have any problem with other opinions ... not everyone needs to buy into the idea or even think it's good. That is also why the page is not run by a committee!

I love this idea!! I just opened a small shop in upstate NY, and I carry all handcrafted and American made goods!! It is an idea whose time has come, I think. The response has been wonderful!! People love to by something made by a local talent. I even sell some of my simpler pottery; I am a newbie, still, so I have sold some plates, bowls, leaf plates, etc., simple and useful. I am always looking for new marketing opportunities, and I use Facebook and my own website and blog for showcasing items we carry.

Great job!!! I will take some pics of my simple items being used and forward them!
Nancy

For the past 40 years during our marriage, whenever we went on vacations we would try to pick up souvenirs from the area. Not the birch canoe made in china, or the empire state building made in japan, but local art. Do you know how hard it is to find local art in some tourist areas? Most often impossible! When in Alaska 10 years ago we went looking for something in a famous road house-Did find a really nice hand made mug that had nothing to relate to Alaska on it, but really nice. We also purchased a dark green standard mug with a sandblasted image and name for Rita's Roadhouse on it. Maybe we as local artists need to sign our work also with place of origin so that people can remember where they got something in a local shop when they are breezing through.

Signing the work with name and place is a great idea for artists, as we are a tourist area in the Adirondacks!! I am amazed at the shops around me that have potholders with bears on them, pottery with pictures of deer and those wood canoes, and they are ALL made in China. I am taking a chance that people are ready for some wonderful goods, locally made, that have the spirit and "soul," so to speak, of the artist and the response has been really good so far!!

Thanks for the idea!!
Nancy

[Pres]

OffCenter, on 25 April 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:

Pres, on 25 April 2012 - 09:52 AM, said:

nancylee, on 25 April 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:

Chris Campbell, on 19 April 2012 - 03:42 PM, said:

Thanks for the encouragement!!
I don't have any problem with other opinions ... not everyone needs to buy into the idea or even think it's good. That is also why the page is not run by a committee!

I love this idea!! I just opened a small shop in upstate NY, and I carry all handcrafted and American made goods!! It is an idea whose time has come, I think. The response has been wonderful!! People love to by something made by a local talent. I even sell some of my simpler pottery; I am a newbie, still, so I have sold some plates, bowls, leaf plates, etc., simple and useful. I am always looking for new marketing opportunities, and I use Facebook and my own website and blog for showcasing items we carry.

Great job!!! I will take some pics of my simple items being used and forward them!
Nancy

For the past 40 years during our marriage, whenever we went on vacations we would try to pick up souvenirs from the area. Not the birch canoe made in china, or the empire state building made in japan, but local art. Do you know how hard it is to find local art in some tourist areas? Most often impossible! When in Alaska 10 years ago we went looking for something in a famous road house-Did find a really nice hand made mug that had nothing to relate to Alaska on it, but really nice. We also purchased a dark green standard mug with a sandblasted image and name for Rita's Roadhouse on it. Maybe we as local artists need to sign our work also with place of origin so that people can remember where they got something in a local shop when they are breezing through.

I think I'd prefer the birch canoe.

Jim

Those canoes are only about 12" long at most. That mask suits you.

[OffCenter]

Pres, on 25 April 2012 - 11:08 PM, said:

OffCenter, on 25 April 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:

Pres, on 25 April 2012 - 09:52 AM, said:

nancylee, on 25 April 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:

Chris Campbell, on 19 April 2012 - 03:42 PM, said:

Thanks for the encouragement!!
I don't have any problem with other opinions ... not everyone needs to buy into the idea or even think it's good. That is also why the page is not run by a committee!

I love this idea!! I just opened a small shop in upstate NY, and I carry all handcrafted and American made goods!! It is an idea whose time has come, I think. The response has been wonderful!! People love to by something made by a local talent. I even sell some of my simpler pottery; I am a newbie, still, so I have sold some plates, bowls, leaf plates, etc., simple and useful. I am always looking for new marketing opportunities, and I use Facebook and my own website and blog for showcasing items we carry.

Great job!!! I will take some pics of my simple items being used and forward them!
Nancy

For the past 40 years during our marriage, whenever we went on vacations we would try to pick up souvenirs from the area. Not the birch canoe made in china, or the empire state building made in japan, but local art. Do you know how hard it is to find local art in some tourist areas? Most often impossible! When in Alaska 10 years ago we went looking for something in a famous road house-Did find a really nice hand made mug that had nothing to relate to Alaska on it, but really nice. We also purchased a dark green standard mug with a sandblasted image and name for Rita's Roadhouse on it. Maybe we as local artists need to sign our work also with place of origin so that people can remember where they got something in a local shop when they are breezing through.

I think I'd prefer the birch canoe.

Jim

Those canoes are only about 12" long at most. That mask suits you.

I still think I'd prefer the canoes. Thanks... I love paintball. That pic was taken right after I caught one right between the eyes.

Jim

[GEP]

Reminder ... everyone has the right to have an opinion, everyone has the right to disagree. Please keep your comments on topic.

nancylee, I want a little clarification ... when you say your shop is "all-handmade/american-made" how much of that is locally-made? Or are you saying you will start looking for more locally-made things to carry? Either way, please keep us posted on this forum on how this idea is working for you. (for the record, I think that commiting to handmade/american-made, amongst all the inexpensive imported souvenirs, is already a towering accomplishment ... good for you!)

Mea

[teardrop]

Best of luck in the endeavor, nancy! Definitely an idea whose time has come...yet again.

The market we will be participating in encourages local and regional wares and local craftsfolk/artisans of all types and the markets are well attended each weekend by locals and tourists alike. It definitely represents the beating heart of our community and region vs. the shops and galleries "in town" which host unrealistically high-priced artwork from all over the globe or bring everything in from China as you described the shops around you also doing. It's insane to see your town's name emblazened on some tourist trap crap from China when you know there are people struggling to get their art/crafts/klunkery out there who make handmade items that are of a higher quality and have some actual SOUL!

Bang that drum...bang that drum! Very exciting stuff!

teardrop

[OffCenter]

teardrop, on 26 April 2012 - 02:45 PM, said:

Best of luck in the endeavor, nancy! Definitely an idea whose time has come...yet again.

The market we will be participating in encourages local and regional wares and local craftsfolk/artisans of all types and the markets are well attended each weekend by locals and tourists alike. It definitely represents the beating heart of our community and region vs. the shops and galleries "in town" which host unrealistically high-priced artwork from all over the globe or bring everything in from China as you described the shops around you also doing. It's insane to see your town's name emblazened on some tourist trap crap from China when you know there are people struggling to get their art/crafts/klunkery out there who make handmade items that are of a higher quality and have some actual SOUL!

Bang that drum...bang that drum! Very exciting stuff!

teardrop

Teardrop, I just don't see what is so good about encouraging people to get their (your word) "klunkery" out there. I like galleries because most of the people who run them are interested in art, not kitschy crap like the Rita's Roadhouse mug mentioned in a previous post. I like juried sales and shows because they usually weed out the worse of the klunkery. Most unjuried sells are so horrible that no self-respecting potter would have anything to do with them. This is not elitism, IT IS JUST RESPECT FOR THE ART. I meant it when I said in a previous post that I'd prefer the tiny birch canoe made in China to some klunkery that is supposed to have some special merit or soul just because it was handmade by a local. Buying some godawful mug made by somebody who just finished a 6-week pottery class at the local community center hurts potters who've spent 20 years perfecting their art.

Jim

[teardrop]

I'm hurt jim...I thought you liked my klunkery pitchers....

My town is full of galleries that are full of high/overpriced "Art". If the visitors here want that kind of "Art"...Art that has no reflection on the area that wasn't made by local artists and has no foundation here other than it's snooty enough for the rich folks with second/third/fourth/fifth vacation homes to "la ti da" and fawn over and spend tooo much on...there's certainly no shortage of that kinda "Art" glitz here. yawn. stretch.

Dunno about the folks you know, but nobody I know (working stiffs) buys unusable items such as these...and certainly not for the prices asked in this area. (Vail) The folks buying this stuff are the folks who come here for opera or "symphoney" so they can bring their tux and have their Lambi they keep parked in the garage 51 weeks out of the year valet parked...

Everyone else...the real people...are hiking and biking and sweating looking for items they can take home from the area at a reasonable price as memorabilia that they can actually do something with other than dust. They also abhor the Chinese made crap sold in the TTT's. (Typical Tourist Trap). Those are the folks I am targeting.

And really...with the lofty air present here from a some folks who have been in the game for years that time and time again say that noobs shouldn't show their faces at any shows/fairs/etc...well..that only makes me wanna get out there more. Would any of you long-time potters lower yourselves to attend a "craft" fair/"Farmer's Market" anyway?

As far as "Klunkery"...that's "yebow's" term.

In the end, it isn't up to anyone here to say if the work is good enough to sell. That decision is made by the consumer..who..if HAPPY with their purchase, couldn't give a rat's ass if the person made it had 30 years of potting/teaching experience or if the maker of the work smelled Steven Hill's last fart in a seminar or not.

I'm proud of my stuff. To me, that is what truly matters. If others feel the same way....good on them and more power to them!

best of luck to all...whatever yer "skill" level!

[OffCenter]

Nice reply, Teardrop, and I do like your pitchers. Vail obviously isn't your average American town and I appreciate your reaction to its pretentiousness. I guess I feel just as strongly that being locally made and handmade doesn't give a pot any special merit. I love good pottery (yes, that is sooooo subjective and one person's beautiful pot may be another person's belly laugh) but I don't give a flying f***k if it was made by the little old lady down the street or some kid in China. IT'S THE POT THAT COUNTS, NOT WHO MADE IT OR WHERE.

Jim

[teardrop]

I hear where yer coming from, jim. You like what you like, regardless, and I certainly respect that because that is the basis of my stance as well.

I make what I like and am drawn to myself. Hopefully someone else will feel the same way about what I make. If they do, great. If not, I'll still make what I like.

"I know what I like, and I like what I know...."

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=y1tFQMjc-IE

teardrop

[Chris Campbell]

I agree with Off Center about quality standards, which is why I feature well crafted pottery and let people know where that potter lives ... It keeps the potter a mouse click away from the world if you can Google them and they have a decent website. Local also encompasses a locally owned gallery, a locally run craft fair ... Also, thanks for the vote of confidence but I don't think my campaign will reach so far that people will grill you about exactly how local you are.

People assume that North Carolina is a totally pottery aware area, but I have neighbors who have never heard of Seagrove ... do not even know there are dozens of world famous potters a short drive away. Think Pottery Barn stuff is real pots. If this kind of 'ignorance' thrives here in pottery central, then I can only imagine how much worse it is elsewhere.