Friday, May 30, 2008

Evelyn George

Evelyn George was born in 1914 on the Catawba Indian Reservation she passed away in 2007. Her parents were Early Brown and Edith Harris Brown. Evelyn was taught to make pottery in her home by her mother, grandmother, and aunts. She first started making her own pieces at age of eight. She sold her pottery in order to help support her family. In the 1930s Evelyn and her family traveled to Ohio where they worked at a state park demonstrating and selling pottery. Evelyn eventually worked in the public sectorand stopped making poterey until her retirement in the early 1980s
Evelyn George was concerned with all aspects of cultural life on the Catawba Indian Reservation. In addition to serving as a pottery instructor at the Catawba Cultural Center, she was the dance coordinator for the Catawba youth dance group and the oldest member of the adult dance group. It was important to George that Catawba youth begin to learn their traditions at a young age. She taught pottery students as young as six years of age.

Before her passing, Evelyn was the oldest Catawba potter on the reservation. She was also a wonderful dancer, teaching young girls the dance tradition. Because of her skill as a potter, she was named a Master Potter of the Catawba pottery tradition.

Evelyn’s signature piece is a frog effigy, however she did make many other beautiful pieces. Evelyn was awarded The South Carolina Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award for 2004.
"I think the next generation will be coming along and taking (pottery) it up. It almost died before, but I don't believe it will die down too much anymore."

Friday, May 23, 2008

Georgia Harris

Georgia Harris was born in 1905 and passed away in 1997. She began working with clay around 1915; she continued to do so until her retirement in 1992. Georgia also taught pottery to many young Catawbas.

Georgia Harris became a master potter by adhering to the strict standards set by her mother, Margaret Harris and her grandmother, Martha Jane Harris. A balanced form and a well-rubbed finish are some of her requirements for a quality pot. But a good pot must also be useful. A pot should be constructed so that its function is readily apparent to a customer. Because of her commitment, skill and willingness to give advice, Harris has been a major influence on many Catawba potters.

"When you make anything, make it to where it can be used. If you're making a pipe, make the hole big enough to get a stem in it. If you're making a candlestick, make it big enough that you can get a candle in it."

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Mildred Blue

Mildred Blue was born on August 4, 1922. She passed away in 1997. She was the first Catawba to graduate from Rock Hill High School. She dealt with racial prejudice throughout her high school years. It was a daily struggle just getting to school buses would not come to the Reservation.

Mildred started working for the Catawba Nation as tribal roll coordinator. Her job was a difficult one, but she became an authority on lineages within the tribe.

Mildred Blue comes from a long line of respected potters. Skills were passed down from great-great-grandmother Rhoda George Harris to grandmother Rosa Harris to mother Doris Wheelock Blue to Mildred Blue. Blue is known for her finely detailed miniatures and particularly for her turtles. She takes great pride in being part of the pottery tradition and has taught her nephew Andrew Blue.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Introduction

This blog is the beginning of a book on Catawba Pottery. Please check out our website for more information. All proceeds go to Preserving the Catawba Culture and helping our At-risk kids on the reservation. Thank You for your support, we greatly appreciate it.




All information on this blog is the property of K.C. George-Warren and the Catawba Cultural Preservation Project. Please contact me at kcgw@ccppcrafts.com, or kcgeorgewarren@gmail.com before using any of this information.