The first time that Ann had a ball of clay she made it into a cat. A whole line has been developed which reflects her love of cats. Fork Creek Mill Pottery opened in 1988 and each piece of pottery is produced solely by Ann. Many pieces of pottery are inspired by the cats at the pottery. The cats provide constant new material for designs and along side Ann, meet the customers.

A versatile potter, Ann produces stoneware, wood fired salt glaze, raku, and the occasional concrete stepping stone. The pottery techniques that Ann uses are quite challenging. They combine great skills with an element of chance due to the nature of the fire. The range is extreme from the fast instant results of raku- the firings last only 20 minutes, to the slow, painstaking stoking of the wood firing- which can last up to 36 hours.

Raku is the Japanese word for enjoyment and freedom. The glazed pots are put into a red hot kiln and removed with a pair of tongs when the glaze has melted.. The pots are then placed in combustible material (sawdust and wood shavings). The localized reduction traps carbon in the glaze causing a crackle effect. Rich, vibrant copper luster’s are also achieved in raku firings. Each piece of raku is unique as a result of combining the challenges of clay, glazing, firing and the spontaneity of the moment.

Wood fired salt glaze is a time honored tradition . The kiln is fed wood slowly over hours and hours and hours until the temperature of over 2500 F is reached. Salt is then thrown into the blazing kiln to vaporize and form glaze. The earthy orange peel texture and subtle wood ash enhance Ann’s contemporary pots with a traditional look.

Ann enjoys the power of the fire to enhance her works. She likes to participate in these processes which capture the spirit of her work .

"Each new idea follows a path, - clay, glazing and firing and then the finished piece. This leads to another idea for another pot for another firing. Pottery has given me an infinite way to use my imagination and skills. There is always another ball of clay to create another vision. I have been blessed to be able to work in a medium that fulfills and inspires me." Ann Williams

Ann exhibits at her studio, on the Internet , and throughout the eastern US at craft shows, cat shows, and galleries. Many private and corporate collections exhibit her pottery worldwide. Some owners include rock stars and race car drivers. Her work has appeared in many publications and on including Southern Living, Southern Accents, Better Homes and Gardens, American Profiles, Your Cat, Cat Fancy . She has won numerous awards over the years.

Year Established: 1973   Primary Medium: Clay    Secondary Medium: Concrete