Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Cole.
Hi Brandon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born into clay. My family came here from Staffordshire, England, in 1734 and has been settled in Seagrove, NC ever since. We’ve been making NC folk pottery, utilitarian, functional pieces for 10 generations. I began training at nine years old with my Papa, G. F Cole. He was a master potter, featured in the Smithsonian. My grandmother, Peggy Cole, continued my education into my teenage years. Throughout my young adult life, I sought travel and adventure as a source of inspiration for my art. This is still true today. This is a family business, as you can see from our history. My wife and I, as a team, hope to continue this legacy with our children, Fox and Coral. My wife Emily is an artist and we work together to create pieces that break free from the traditional folk art of NC pottery, but still maintain traditional processes passed down through lineage.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, and I’m glad it’s not been easy! I value most what is hard-earned, and pottery has not been an exception. Finding a balance in real life and creative passions are inherent in an artist’s journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Having spent twenty-something years in the restaurant industry, learning from chefs, creating experiences for guests, I have had a special insight into how function and aesthetics create an experience. Touch has always been a theme in my work stemming from travel and natural curiosity. I try to replicate texture and relay stories through touch in my pottery. It gives my hands the chance to speak. These sensitivities that I now have in my toolbox help me to push the boundaries and personalize experiences in a more utilitarian way. Those boundaries being function vs. artistic inclination.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Strong work ethic. In order to be successful and proud of what you are creating, you have to put the effort in. It might take a long time to even find your version of success. I’m still finding mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colepotterydesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colepotterydesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colepotterydesign/
