MUSKOKA BAY POTTERY
James & John Brown
While travelling across Canada and working at a variety of jobs, James Brown kept telling himself that he would return to his first love - making pottery.
At 39, he came back to Muskoka, bought the top of a Precambrian-granite outcrop at the edge of Gravenhurst, designed and built himself a home and studio to fit the rugged surroundings.
Now Muskoka Bay Pottery is known as a place to get one-of-a-kind gifts and mementos.
His Friendship Bowls, with clasped-hand figures dancing around the rims, have become classic house gifts to recall memorable visits to Muskoka cottages.
If you're planning to enjoy Ontario's Near-North this year, you might find it worthwhile to visit this studio/gallery and meet James, his cat Xena, dog Bubba as well as brother and partner, John.
It won't cost you anything unless you buy, but that's a definite possibility.It's hard to resist their vivid handmade bowls, mugs, goblets, platters, and bird feeders.
From high school, he was accepted for the ceramics program at Sheridan College's School Of Design Campus in Mississauga.
After a year of college, he travelled twice across Canada, worked in commercial ceramics - making toilets, Group Homes and for London Life.
In 1990, he moved to Gravenhurst and began to live his dream.
Since then, John has trained as the pottery technician and joined the business.
Brown brothers' work is sold at the studio, but you can also find it at select Galleries and Gift shops across Canada … at One of a Kind Shows in Toronto and Signature/Original Shows in Ottawa.
James & John are very functional stoneware potters.
Simplicity of design and maximization of use, guide their designs. Clay and high gloss glaze finishes, are specifically designed and tested for daily modern use.
A handles fits..... when you don't notice it in your hand, pick ours up and notice a difference.
"A Chinese Pottery Master toured my Muskoka studio a few years ago. When I asked the translator what comment she made while examining my work, I was told "primitive but interesting". Then the translator added "that was her first comment of any kind, made in many studio visits and I should be honoured".
"I'm honoured to get up every day and do what I love."
