Potter Jim McDowell
This months “Artist Spotlight” is “The Black Potter”… Mr. Jim McDowell, of Weaverville, NC
Jim McDowell, aka The Black Potter, has been making face jugs for over 35 years in his home studio in Western NC. In keeping with the traditions of his African American and Caribbean ancestry, Jim makes his face jugs to follow the traditions of his family. More than four generations have passed, but his face jugs remain ugly because slavery was ugly. His family worked as slave potters in Jamaica, where they made face jugs, many which were used as grave markers for slaves. Jim is one of a few African American Potters in NC, and his story and talents are something you don’t want to miss!