Local Resident's Pottery Talent Molds Into a Business

(posted Dec 27)

Glenn Roesler considers the ball of clay on his pottery wheel to be his next piece of merchandise. Roesler, a Speedway resident, has been creating pottery for 30 years. He is quick to tell people that he does not do custom work, "so don't ask for a two handle mug with Bob written on it," he quipped.

A production potter relies on volume to make a living. Custom work bogs down the assembly line if the potter has to individualize each piece of stoneware. Roesler makes about 1,000 pieces a year for his Ivy Creek Stoneware pottery line.

It is the exploration of form, color and glaze work that keeps the job exciting for him. He compares opening the kiln to see his finished work as exciting as awakening on Christmas morning to see gifts stuffed under the tree. He described his emotional state as being "giddy" when opening the kiln.

Roesler does not consider himself an artist, but a self-taught craftsman. Precise timing is needed to make holes in pottery. If the clay is too soft, it will bulge at the bottom, too firm and it will crack. He did not have the advantages of learning techniques that are available today. He talked about the benefits of watching Youtube, where potters show various pottery techniques.

Ivy Creek Stoneware has uniformity and creativity. Roesler does not create his pottery from molds or forms. Roesler's pottery is very functional. Some of his creations are at the suggestion of his wife. His inventory ranges from pie pans, bowls, cups, mugs, and plates to candle holders. His most popular item is a maple syrup warmer. He explained the idea came about when heating a plastic syrup bottle for his pancakes. He was not comfortable about microwaving plastics. He saw his stoneware creamer on the table and decided to warm the syrup in that.

Every potter's dilemma is what to do with the bits and pieces of leftover clay that are too wet or too hard for reuse. Roesler uses a vacuum power wedger which removes air from clay and allows it to be used again. Roesler can be seen on the wedger manufacturer's website endorsing the product.

He said studio pottery, also known as production pottery, is on the decline in Indiana. Roesler attended Penrod, Talbott, and Carmel art fairs but could not find one pie pan. To Roesler, pottery has become more of an art form than making functional kitchen ware.

He used to attend monthly Indiana Potters Guild meetings to learn new techniques, where he picked up the idea of making stoneware bird feeders. The group visited Richard Peeler in Reelsville, Indiana. Roesler spoke very highly of Peeler, who died in 1998, saying he was probably the best potter in Indiana. Roesler remarked that Peeler made his house entirely from clay.

Roesler said European stoneware heritage is rich in Sea Grove, North Carolina, which has 100 pottery places within a 10 mile radius. European style pottery is based on the familiar spinning wheel platform, while Native American pottery is rolled out in a snake-like form. Each roll is layered by hand in a coil form.

Roesler knows people can buy pottery at Walmart, Target and Crate and Barrel cheaper than what he sells it for, but the honor of carrying on a 6,000 year old craft keeps driving his passion to produce. He sells his pieces wholesale to retail stores, craft shows and country fairs.

He recently developed a business tie with Main Attraction Antique Mall to sell his wares. Roesler is glad to have found a local retailer so customers don't have to drive to Brown County or wait for the next seasonal craft show to buy his stoneware.