Meghan Bernard of Rare Earth Studio creates unique and
functional pottery. As just one of the ceramicists at ArtWalk,
her work is made to be used in everyday life, as well as to be
a treat for the eyes. She hopes that each piece finds a special
place in the lives of their owner’s homes and lives.
Growing up in Michigan, Bernard has been making art since childhood.
While attending Michigan State University, she studied art education.
During this time, she discovered her passion for ceramics. She
couldn’t get out of the ceramic studio, which ultimately
led to Bernard graduating with a degree in fine arts and creating
Rare Earth Studio. Aside from working in schools as a visiting
artist, Rare Earth Studio has been her primary career and passion.
Working out of her studio at her home in Hendersonville, Bernard
usually works on multiple pieces at one time, each one taking
three weeks to complete. Bernard, like many potters, tends to
always be in the middle of one step or another in her process
to craft something new. Believing that her pottery should feel
good in one’s hands, be useful in everyday life and be an
aesthetic part of the home, Bernard’s pottery is an intimate
art form to be passed down from generation to generation. She
said that ceramics are made to be touched and used daily by the
owner in both everyday activities, as well as special occasions.
She mixes all of her glazes herself, and all of her pieces are
non-toxic, as well as being microwave and dishwasher safe.
She primarily uses stoneware and porcelain clay to create her
pottery. Also, her potter’s wheel is indispensable to her
work. She was drawn to the media because of its ability to be
a part of the owner’s everyday life, both as a functional
tool and as a visual art. She jokes that she was compelled to
create pottery because of the childhood pastime of getting messy
outside.
“Who doesn’t like playing in the mud?” she said.
Bernard is always learning how to better her production and skills.
She has been dedicated to her art form since college while creating
her company from the ground up. Her hard work and dedication have
paid off – over the last several years she has become a local
favorite with many fans.
Bernard’s work is located on ArtWalk’s lower level.
With three and a half floors and more than 300 local, regional
and national artists, ArtWalk is located at 611 W. King St. (across
from Mast General Store) Boone, N.C. 28607. Though ArtWalk is
open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday
from 12 to 5 p.m, customers may shop all the time at the gallery’s
new online store. ArtWalk continually welcomes new artists of
all media and ages to inquire about individual gallery booths
for rent. For more information, call (828) 264-9998, email artwalkboone@yahoo.com
or visit www.artwalkboone.com.
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