Refresh Market may be the ideal place for creative collaborators Meghan McCrone and Natasshia Neary to unveil their latest line of functional pottery since the duo recently hit reset on their gorgeous creations, refining processes, glazes and the type of wares up for offer.
Last year, Neary found herself in McCrone’s studio taking a class. When the skilled potter observed the sweet little illustrations her student was adding to her wares she knew something special was happening.
“Natasshia took one of my workshops and on the last of the four nights we are working on surface decoration, glazing, things like that. She started doing her illustrations on her work, and I was like, ‘Ooooh…’,” said McCrone, her voice trailing off dramatically for effect.
“And I just thought, we need to work together,” added Neary. “Pottery is a long process and I have so much respect for what Meghan does and her experience. Taking a slab of clay and forming something beautiful with your hands the way she does is just incredible.”
Not long after, McCrone was inspired to take one of Neary’s calligraphy workshops, which quickly confirmed her suspicions.
“I was like, ‘Okay, I’m not the one to put these things on my pots.’ That was very clear. I mean, I can do it, but it’s not my passion, right?” she said, laughing. “So now we’re both doing our own passion and creating something bigger than what we could have on our own.”
The partnership bloomed in earnest, and together the pair decided on what forms the ceramics would take. McCrone quickly set to work creating “blank slates” for Neary, who, in turn, sketched whimsical illustrations – predominantly of botany – to apply once everything had been glazed white.
Neary digitizes her illustrations and then produces decals that can be transferred to a matte white glaze before being fired again. One more firing – for a total of four – may take place if the piece receives an application of 18-carat gold detail.
“Both of us love the sense of freedom this provides,” Neary said excitedly, as McCrone picks up her train of thought.
“I totally just let Natasshia do her thing, be creative, and make whatever she likes. I give her full power to just create whatever, however.” McCrone said. “I fully trust her vision and she does the same for me – it’s just such a gift. It’s just such an amazing thing to be able to share with her, as artists.
“We have trust. It feels so incredible to trust like this in another person’s creative vision.”
Since their collaborative art was unveiled last spring the pair have refined their wares. The new line is more smooth, matte and “crisp” looking. They continue to carry McCrone’s signature travel mugs, as well as coffee mugs, tumblers, platters, bud vases, salt cellars, catch-alls, coasters and tealight houses – perfect for the holidays.
You can find Muddy Marvels Pottery and Oh The Sweet Things at Refresh Market on Nov. 16 and 17 at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Both Neary and McCrone are also on social media under their respective company names and websites: ohthesweetthings and muddymarvelspottery.com.
