MARY P. LAFLEUR

BIOGRAPHY

I began making pottery 40 years ago at The Boston Center for Adult Education.  I studied there for three years with Dorothy Mayzel.  In 1975, I moved back to Troy, New York when I married my husband, Bob.  One of our first purchases was a potter’s wheel, followed the next year by an electric kiln, and I was in business.  Pinewoods Potters was established in 1977 on Pinewoods Avenue in Troy.

I enjoy making pottery that people can use in everyday life.  My educational background is in music and the patterns and designs I like to use remind me of the movement and form in music. Another influence on my work has been my flower gardens, which bloom with vibrant color and unique texture.

Going into my studio every day is an adventure.  I love creating new pieces. I’ve recently begun using brightly colored slips that give my pieces a fresh new look.

Lately I have become fascinated by mixed media.  My newest pieces combine clay, metal, wood and whatever catches my fancy.  I am always on the lookout for old saws!

I have taken classes with Lana Wilson at Penland School of Craft and with Hayne Bayless and Sandra Blaine at Arrowmont in Gatlinburg, TN.  Last summer I studied raku firing with Randy Broadnax at Sugar Maples in the Catskill Mountains.

I teach hand-building classes at The Art Center of the Capital Region.

My pottery  can be purchased in the following institutions: AMP Gallery in Saratoga Springs,  The Arts Center of the Capital Region Holiday SHOP in Troy, NY, Shaker Heritage Society in Latham, NY,  The Broken Mold Studio in Troy, Great Finds in Valatie, The Albany Institute of  History and Art Museum Shop,   Young’s General Store in Averill Park, NY, The shop at Olana in Hudson, NY and Departure at the Albany Airport.

My pottery may also be purchased at my studio by appointment, 518-283-1705 .

CLASSES TAUGHT IN:

The Arts Center of the Capital Region. 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180. (518) 273-0552