05/20/2026
We're excited to have AOA artists representing our gallery in the Inner Banks Arts Marilyn Heiser Regional Studio Tour this Saturday, May 23rd! Get your tickets at AOA or any of the participating locations on the day of the tour.
Featured in the tour, get ready to experience the studio of John Peel Pottery, where utilitarian pottery meets beautiful, handmade objects you’ll want to keep forever.
“My name is John Peel, and my studio sits just behind our home on the edge of a bean field in Pasquotank County. The privacy and openness of this landscape connect my workspace to the shifting agricultural seasons and the rhythms of life outdoors.
I work primarily with stoneware clay, focusing on utilitarian pottery. My pieces are wheelthrown and often altered. The forms and surfaces are inspired by the people, plants, and animals of Eastern North Carolina.
Wood firing plays a central role in my process. The kiln creates a dynamic interaction with the slips and glazes I use, acting like a river of fire that wraps around each pot. The fire and ash leave distinct markings, with directional patterns shaped by each piece’s position in the kiln, especially in relation to the firebox.
Saltglazed pottery, a tradition dating back to the fifteenth century, with a rich history in North Carolina is known for its strength and durability. My work continues that tradition, creating pots designed to withstand the demands of the modern kitchen.”
