We also learned a lot during the lecture and Q&A. Garth Clark, of Garth Clark Gallery in NYC (specializing in Contemporary Ceramics), gave a wonderful lecture that put Heath Ceramics firmly into context within American Ceramics. His characterization of Heath as a “Factory for Craftspeople” really struck us as a perfect description of our process of manufacturing and captures the importance of how the balance of scale and individual attention to each piece affects the quality and aesthetics of what we produce. We spend a lot of time considering how much our processes, size of our manufacturing operation, and geographical context of both design and production influence the product to make it what it is – we believe all these factors are critical, though none more so than individual craftsmanship which makes the process tangible to those who hold and use our pieces.

Robin Petravic & Catherine Bailey | Oct 29, 11:25 AM

Great to see this discussion taking place here. I’m sorry I missed the talk on the 19th but have been lucky enough to be continually engaged in this conversation for the past several months as the new editor-in-chief of American Craft magazine. I really appreciate Garth’s assessment of Heath. Recently I’ve been noticing a lot of attention being paid by large scale industry to operations like Heath’s. I really believe that there is a great future for more intimate manufacturing processes that we are starting to see pop up across Europe and even some in the United States. For instance, Donald Fortescue, a professor at California College of the Arts, is currently working with his students to produce small scale runs of 400 pieces or so for Wal-Mart (hopefully it will all pan out). I’m a firm believer of the philosophy that innovation lies in the art of “making” and I believe that “makers” (i.e. craftspeople) have much to offer industry in those regards. Therefore, it is truly enlightening to see Heath leading the way – let’s just hope that others follow. I think they will!

Andrew Wagner | Oct 29, 11:26 AM

While I have for a long time appreciated Heath designs, I have a new appreciation for the Heath legacy and the context around its becoming. New owners Robin and Cathy, are doing extraordinary work reinterpreting—while leaving intact—the original Heath vision.

Maria Moyer | Oct 29, 11:26 AM

I believe the impact of craft on society is greatly underestimated and I appreciate the discussion. Craft or technology has historically been the hub on which a society turns, establishing a sense of identity and ownership. Local, small manufacturing is more responsible socially, enviromentally, esthetically and fiscaly.

Jered Nelson | Oct 29, 11:26 AM

I think its also informative to look at other companies that are trying their hand at this kind of craft oriented manufacturing. A great (if not as articulate) example is the Confederate Motor Company (http://www.confederate.com), who are making truly extraordinary motorcycles out in Alabama. They dont have the legacy that Heath does, but its just as important for designers to start it from scratch at some point. We’ve gotta act to create the manufacturing reality that we want to see after all. Any other good examples out there?

noah reinhertz | Oct 29, 11:27 AM

The more I learn about Heath Ceramics, the more it becomes apparent how vital the company is both historically and in leading the future. New owners Robin and Cathy are demonstrating that the best place to preserve American culture and crafts is not only in museums, but also in our daily lives at home. They are continuing Edith Heath’s tradition in a way that places emphasis on a strong social point of view about the company’s products. It strives to retain the craft of manufacturing, which has been virtually lost as a value in American culture, by blending a mechanized process with hand craftsmanship. It keeps manufacturing local in a fair workplace environment, bringing pride to the community while creating high quality products. We wish there are more people like Robin and Cathy who could keep the tradition of craft alive in dynamic and relevant ways.

Coralie Langston-Jones | Oct 29, 11:27 AM

With the overwhelming amount of technology in our lives, along with an inordinate amount of “branding” and other marketing tactics to sell us new products it is the human-made, less than perfect objects that we connect with on an emotional level. While we need what mass manufacturing can do for us, we treasure the personal objects that allow us to pause for a moment and enjoy the quality of life. They also make us feel more like individuals.

The winds have started to shift towards the handmade, unique and personal and away from the mass produced. We see evidence of this all around in design, the Slow Food movement, and even in the corporate arena with Mass Product Customization (such as the Nike I-D shoe).

In this age of technology and information, the popularity of Heath is testament to the fact that there is an audience for locally crafted goods even if they do cost more. Which would you rather have: a single Heath salad bowl or the same dollar amount in IKEA-ware?

Adam Brodsley | Oct 29, 11:27 AM