Sheri Marshall

See more at: www.marshall-pottery.com

Sheri just bought a new Liberty-Belle kiln. (The photos here of her old Econo-Kiln which is over 20 years old). Here is her story and why she bought an L&L kiln:

"I am a huge L & L fan. What I have had is an Econo-kiln with an LT-4 Kiln Sitter. It has an orange control box. It's a testimonial to the durability of the product you are manufacturing."

"I have had several kilns (three other popular brands) and L&L. The L&L is my favorite and I find that the construction of the kiln with the ceramic element holders, better withstands the test of time and use."

"In the case of my current L&L Econo-Kiln, I purchased it from a woman in Holly Springs who had it stored in her soggy basement. It was wrapped up in plastic, but moisture over the years had caused rust on some cosmetic parts of the kiln. I cleaned it up, test fired it, then began using it routinely for both bisque and glaze firings."

"I find that this kiln fires consistently. For that reason I use it worry free and can depend on predictable results every time. It has never let me down. My previous experience using an L&L kiln was the sole reason why I chose to purchase a new one, this time with a computer controller. I feel the new kiln will allow more versatility, flexibility and ultimately more control over the firing process."

"In one of the workshop photos you'll see parts of the new, 800 sq ft studio located adjacent, and up the hill from my home. www.marshall-pottery.com/workshop.html"

"In the background is the enclosed kiln room with the Skutt (now gone, yeah!) and the small L&L (lid open). The studio is divided into several work areas, a showroom/ shipping/ receiving area, creation station where pottery is made, adjacent is the slab roller for tile work, then I have a glaze formulation room/dry chemical storage/sink and finally an enclosed kiln room (with vent). I just did a workshop for 7 women on Sunday who had never expressed themselves artistically in clay. Typically, I give the group a tour of the studio with an explanation regarding the various studio sections and why there are separate work rooms. Along with that I explain the pottery process so the workshops are always educational and motivational in nature. I also demo my one handed throwing technique on the wheel. Next, I have my daughter, Hattie (13) throws two handed, then she conducts individual sessions with the participants while I lead the hand building portion."

"I work in cone 6 porcelain and stoneware. From a physical comfort aspect, I prefer to work small and most of my work is about 6" high or less. I am represented by K Fulton Art & Farme in Meridian, MS, Southside Gallery in Oxford, MS (Home of Ole Miss) and am a juried member of the Craftsman's Guild of MS. I am also an artist in residence for VSA Arts (and work with mentally and/or physically disabled children) and am included as one of only a handful of potters in the MS Arts Commission (juried) Artist Rooster.I am a full time flight instructor at FedEx and work in web development and also developing in house curriculum, across at aircraft tracks, for International Ground School. I am also a check airman on the C-208 Caravan aircraft for Pan Am International Flight Academy. In my spare time I produce pottery, tile and conduct clay workshops. As you might imagine life is very busy and full. I have 2 teenage daughters, one of which is very interested in the arts and gifted artistically."

"I want to do as much as I can to reach out to children with clay whether they are able bodied or disabled. Even the most impaired child can pinch a piece of clay, or imprint it at the very least. Every year I do a workshop for disabled children in conjunction with the Craftsman's Guild. Last year it was very successful and we are planning another in March or April and will also be working along with Hines Community College. I am also planning on another workshop of this nature at the George Orr Museum in Bilioxi following their building renovation.