John Cowan
John and Kat Cowan, Abingdon, Virginia, create the offerings at Cowan Pottery. They have a studio in Abingdon and sell their wares in Abingdon, Virginia, at Holston Mountain Artisans and The Appalachian Trading Post, and at CDR Frame Shop and Art Gallery in Bristol, Virginia.
“Holston Mountains Artisans is a pillar to our Appalachian artisan community. We are happy to be a part of it,” John says.
They create a variety of functional high-fired reduction stoneware, which led to one of John’s favorite career memories.
“It’s very gratifying to hear from someone who purchased a mug 20 years ago tell me that it’s the only mug that they drink coffee out of every day. I like the fact that a lot of my pieces are used every day.”
John Cowan got into ceramics almost by accident through a chance meeting with Stan Irvin when John first moved to Austin in the 1970s.
“I was set to attend The University of Texas and felt out-of-sorts at orientation, so I left and sat up on a hill overlooking the city with a six pack of beer. Stan comes up to me and mentions he’s teaching his first ceramics course at St. Edward’s University. So, on a whim, I decided to switch schools and study ceramics. Stan Irvin was my mentor and became a lifelong friend.
He says he is inspired by opening the kiln and having a “win” — whether it’s a great glaze combination or a “gem” pot.
They plan to have monthly kiln openings at their studio in Abingdon, Virginia. They have done shows from Houston to Knoxville and are planning an upcoming event in Boston.
You can see their work at Instagram@cowanpottery.
