Rockrose Pottery
Vince Bowen, Rockrose Pottery, has been making pottery since 1968, but has been in business since 1978. He took a course at the Ontario College of Art and was hooked! He then studied at Sheridan College for three years and was a Ceramic Technician for three years before starting Rockrose Pottery.
Rockrose Pottery has been at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market since 1984. Vince specializes in dinnerware or place settings, and teapots. Both are difficult to complete. Dinnerware is hard to match all the pieces as closely as possible. Making one piece at a time and doing it exactly the same time after time takes a great deal of practice. Most potters refuse to do this as it can result in a lot of rejects.
Teapots look simple but are made of several parts that are assembled to make one piece. It must pour without dripping and have a lid that fits well.
“The most common complaint I get from customers is that they are tired of buying teapots that drip,” says Vince. “Mine do not drip so I get many repeat customers, and through word of mouth - customers looking for a good teapot.”
Vince works on new colours every year as well as refining the ones he has. This involves some basic chemistry and a lot of accumulated knowledge of ceramics. All glazes are fired in an electric kiln (oxidation firing) that gives them a different quality than in a gas-fired kiln.
Vince says making pottery is what he knows best and he has been totally addicted to the medium since his first encounter. “It’s never been for the money as most years, I barely make ends meet!”, he says!
ROCKROSE POTTERY
Vince Bowen
Handmade Porcelain
RR 1 Markdale ON N0C 1H0
519-986-1271
rockrose@bmts.com
We welcome your feedback. Please email your comments to us at manager@owensoundfarmersmarket.ca.
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