Meet Carole Berhorst | Potter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carole Berhorst and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carole, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Making the decision to be a potter rather than a psychologist (which I was studying to be at Wayne State) was a very difficult decision to make because of the uncertainty of this kind of career pursuit., but, I took the leap because of the positive feedback I was getting and the number of people buying my pottery.

To do something you love and getting such a consistent and positive response year after year was and is to this day as good as it gets career wise!

I do love the field of psychology, and, I find it very helpful when dealing with all the many many personalities I meet on this journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been a functional potter for over 40 years, doing Art Fairs, galleries and stores. The love I have for pottery that can be used on a daily basis has never waivered and I believe my customers know that. I have been incredibly grateful for the way my work is received and I truly love the atmosphere of the art fairs! The work I do and the different signature and new series over the years is probably the reason for my success.
I work mostly on the wheel but also do a lot of slab work for trays and items of that sort. flat surfaces also provide me with a palette for painting.

Probably, the thing that sets me apart from many other potters that work with different color combinations.

As I approach 80 (I’m 77), I still find great pleasure being in my studio and what else is wonderful is all the artists and customers I meet!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First I must say that Michigan has Very Very Good Ary Fairs. We are the state with the Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the 5 largest art fairs in the US…..along side of of other shows (Arts and Apples, Birmingham Art Fairs, and many more that attract artists from all over the United States)

Detroit is getting more and more attention for all the creative and fun events it is offering to Michiganders and its popularity is known far and wide….Comerica Park, Little Caesar’s Arena, Ford Field, Belle Isle,The River Walk and more.
We also have Cranbrook and the grounds are magnificent!….Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are absolutely beautiful.
Greenfield Village, Corktown, Indian Village….And many, many fine and funky restaurants….and Eastern Market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m not sure any one person influenced my decision to become a potter. The love I have for handmade pottery began the first time (maybe I was around 8 years old and I was at a friends house who’s mother collected pottery and it was everywhere . I immediately thought how warm and wonderful and inviting it felt.
Of course all the instructors I’ve had have helped me develop my skills, but my mentor was a man named Charlie Blosser, who ran the ceramics department at Oakland Community College.
I have also been able to attend amazing workshops at Anderson Ranch Colorado and have studied with well known and famous potters over the years.

Website: Carole Berhorst Pottery

Instagram: caroleberhorstpottery

Facebook: Carole berhorst

Other: Annual Home Show

Image Credits
Best of Show….Meadowbrook Art Fair Franklin Art Fair