Check Out David Rhine’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Rhine.

Hi David, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been making pottery for over thirty years now. It all started when I took a pottery class in college and from day one I was hooked. I then went on to get a degree in ceramics at the Appalachian Center for Arts and Crafts in Smithville, Tennessee.
For the most part I have always made the traditional functional pottery (mugs, bowls, plates, jars, etc). But starting a couple years ago a friend told me about a traditional Japanese flower vessel called an Ikibana vase. I loved the look of them and decided to give them a try. Even though I still create functional pottery, the Ikibanas have now become the focal point of my production. I enjoy making them because of all the different possibilities they offer with form to function and how amazing they look with a beautiful floral arrangement. I have come up with many designs and sizes, various colors, surface designs and textures for people to choose from. I enjoy how the floral arrangement for an Ikibana vase is more intentional than a typical flower vase because you are using fewer flowers to create a display, showing the beauty of the individual flowers and dynamics of their placement.
I typically sale all my work at the Nashville Farmers Market, plus a few festivals. You can find me at the farmers market every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00-3:00.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Once I graduated from the Craft Center, I was making for the most part large vessels and functional pottery. In addition I also had a full time job. As time went on I found it increasingly difficult to both produce pottery and maintain a full time job, so much so I actually stopped doing clay for about five years. Then after lamenting over clay literally every single day of those five years I decided to start making pottery again come what may. As the years went on and my pottery improved I found it increasingly difficult to pursue ceramics while maintaining a steady job. So in 2024 I decided to go for it and pursue pottery full time.
The last year and a half have been more challenging (both physically and mentally) than I could have ever imagined. There are many steps involved in creating a single piece which I believe few people know about. It starts with preparing the clay, then making the piece, then decorating and putting on any finishing touches. Then once it dries it must be bisque fired in a kiln which makes it porous and hard enough to apply the glazes. Then you take it out of the kiln, glaze it, put it back in the kiln and pray that everything looks good when you take it out. This process alone at best takes about 3 weeks from start to finish.. And keep in mind you’re producing multiple pieces at a time in order to fill an entire kiln. For me that requires anywhere from thirty to fifty pieces depending on their size. And then you have to figure out how to sell your work which is a job in and of itself.
I am constantly in the studio making work, leaving little time for much of anything else. But I rather be doing lots of clay than just a little.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’d say what sets me apart from other potters is my glazing. I typically layer multiple glazes to achieve unique, beautiful colors and surface designs. When you walk into my booth it is filled with a wide variety of colors, forms and designs to choose from and hopefully bring some beauty into your home..

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone considering doing pottery full time it definitely takes a lot of work and discipline. Making the leap from your art being a hobby to making it a career will challenge you more than you can possibly imagine. I never had any idea how much pottery you have to sell to make a living. Not to mention that the cost of making pottery ain’t cheap. But I love making clay and had rather be doing that than anything else.

Pricing:

• Small trinket trays $30-$50
• Mugs $35-$55
• Plates $40-$55
• Decorative serving bowls $60-$90
• Ikibana flower vessel $95-$175

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @davidrhineceramics