My introduction to clay came in 1996 when I joined my wife, Martha, in her pottery business. Previous to that I worked at Cheatham Annex maintaining the Navy's oil spill and salvage equipment.
At first I worked solely with my wife producing stoneware pottery but became fascinated with the Raku process after observing a demonstration. Although I learned a lot of the basics of clay from my wife and the other potters at Sarah Creek Potters where our business was located, I am self taught when it comes to the Raku firing process.
My education comes from reading books on Raku, observing other Raku potters firing their kilns, and from trial and error. I love the spontaneity and unpredictability of the process. Once the pot is in the fire I have no control over the results. Nature plays a big role in the firing - temperature and wind are major factors in achieving the bright blues and red in my metallic glaze.
I enjoy explaining the process and sharing my enthusiasm with people. There is beauty in the pot that the fire creates. No two pots will ever be the same. It makes me feel good when I've made something with my hands and somebody appreciates it enough to purchase it and place it in their home.
Over the last couple of years I have started showing my work at various art shows in the area. In the 2004 Newport News Fall Festival I took first place in clay and in 2005 Best in Show. At the 2005 Stockley Gardens Arts Festival I won an Award of Merit and this spring at Arts on the Square I was also won an Award of Merit from the Junior Woman's Club of Williamsburg.
My wife and I operate our studio, Summer Haze Pottery, in Hallieford, VA.
Email: bmhayes@earthlink.net
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