When the everyday object is special, every moment becomes special.
All pieces are ovenproof, dishwasher safe, non-toxic and microwavable.
Every piece is formed by hand on the potter's wheel. All measurements stated are approximate and average, and may vary slightly among individual pieces.
Celebrating over 35 years of bringing beauty and balance to your daily living.
REALLY ABOUT THE ARTIST
On the preceding page, About the Artist, you found my professional bio, resume, shows and exhibitions, and other information about me and my career. Important information, but pretty much limited to credentials. On these pages, you can find out a bit about the REAL me.
I am a native Kentuckian, born in Louisville. My great, great, great great grandfather, William Rowe, served in the Culpepper County Virginia Riflemen during the Revolutionary War, and was at Valley Forge with George Washington. In the late 1700s, he came to Kentucky.
I have one daughter, Stephanie, who is now completing her graduate work in Washington D.C. at George Washington University, earning a masters in political management (she grew up at art fairs and gallery openings.. it didn't move her).
Stephanie and I after her graduation ceremony from Centre College in Danville, KY.
In May of 2008, Stephanie completed her Masters degree in Political Management from George Washington University in Washington D.C.
My wife Vivian and I live over my shop on Louisville's historic Frankfort Avenue. In my spare time, I enjoy amateur wine making, wood carving, leatherwork and horseback riding.
WINE MAKING
I I dabbled in wine making in my early 20's, but got back interested in it after visiting the wine regions of Europe, especially the region surrounding our sister city in Germany, Mainz. Mainz lies in the Rhine River valley where they have been making wine since the days of the Romans.
Friends and I in a wine cellar in Germany. Vivian samples wine straight from the cask, courtesy of the wine maker.
I find that wine making isn't really all that different from glaze chemistry. One must understand the process and the characteristics of the various ingredients, when and where along the process one can influence and tweak things, and one must project what it is going to be in the future, not what it is now.
I make wine out of both fresh fruits and juices. I have friends who provide me with fresh fruit and honey (in exchange for some of the finished wine, of course!), and I know where in my neighborhood I can find wild raspberries, abandoned plum trees, sassafras sprouts, etc. I call it "urban foraging." Mind you, I'm not stealing from someone's back yard, but I know where fruits grow along public access areas, or unattended churchyards, etc. I have entered the Kentucky State Fair with my wines, and have won a couple of awards, including one first place.
Vivian stomping cabinet sauvignon grapes in our kitchen, and me preparing them for the wine making process.
I have fun with my labels. It all started out with a label based on the old medicine bottles, and has developed into an alter ego, Colonel Mel. To view some of my labels, CLICK HERE (WARNING! Lots of large images... may take a while to load!)