POTTERY AND CHARLES POTTERY

A BODY OF WORK THAT IS IMPORTANT TO THE CARIBBEAN PATRIMONY

Known throughout the world, the art of modeling clay has been a part of the Antilles throughout history.

Fragments of ceramic provide certain evidence of the presence of the Arawak and Caribi Indians in the Antilles, recognizable for their different manufacturing techniques..
You can trace the unbroken passage of techniques from the Amer-indians to the islands more recent inhabitants, techniques which have truly changed very little from their antique origins.

 

THE DESIGNS OF THE AMER-INDIAN CERAMICS

The Caribi Indians disappeared taking with them much of the evidence of their designs, linked closely to their beliefs. There remains very little physical evidence of the ceramic materials once produced, but it is accepted that the major part of the ceramics from the Antilles and Martinique were made from a soft clay which resulted in an opaque surface without gloss.

WATER CARAFES

 Terracotta was used predominantly in the manufacture of utensils for daily use.
Water carafes in terracotta are still commonly used are worth noting. Their peculiar quality is to lower the temperature of the water by 5-10°C with respect to the ambient temperature. They are sealed with a flat plug..
 

THE ARTIST CHARLES POTTERY

It has been about 15 years since the last potter ceased business, but fortunately there has been a rebirth of this art form on the part of several young islanders, who express themselves in unique and refined pieces, often using glazes as well.
Almost 10 new artists have emerged onto the scene in the last few years.
 

The designer Charles Pottery has created for ten years terracotta and glazed pottery..
Charles Menage, the potter, invites you to "escape the beaten track", and embark upon a visit that will bring you closer to this historic art form and to introduce a passion and individual style.
A way to appreciate the local crafts...
 

Charles Menage first demonstrated his work in 1992, initially working with a potter in the Village de la Poterie di Trois Ilets. A simple pastime quickly became a passion, Charles feels the materials with a sixth... working with clay is truly a pleasure and becomes a mode of self expression.

   In 1995 Charles opened his own studio in Régale, Riviere Pilote. Creating above all items that have a practical quality including carafes, utensils etc. A long way from the first clay pieces and fired items.

The firing is done at high temperatures and created in the studio. The choice of technique for the application of the glosses depends upon the form you are seeking to reinforce. The pieces are glossed by either spraying or dipping.
Charles’ preferred technique is the oil drop, adopted from the Chinese masters.
 

Charles invites you to discover his works, his mastery of the art and his studio…

It is also possible to undertake an introductory course, individually or in pairs.

CHARLES POTTERY

Quartier Régale - Rivière Pilote

Martinique

Tel 0596.778585

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