In a general context, the name “Dre” brings to mind West Coast hip-hop and headphones, but at the Durango Farmers Market, it’s synonymous with functional pottery.
Through Clay by Dre, Drea Clements sells a variety of useful handmade ceramic items.
“I make mostly functional work – mostly wheel-thrown, nature-inspired, highly textured pieces – to just elevate your everyday drinking and eating experience,” she said.
The Durango-based potter said she has been doing professional studio pottery work for about 20 years, after receiving a degree in ceramics from Bowling Green State University in 2005.
Clements’ products include mugs, bowls, planters, berry bowls, little vases, honeypots, spoon rests, large serving bowls and olive oil bottles. She also makes custom dinnerware sets to order.
Observers will note that she tends to work in a specific color palette.
“I really love blues and greens – and browns and blacks – and incorporating the two together is kind of just like a natural vibe,” she said. “I used to live by the (Atlantic) Ocean too, so I have a strong tie to and love for the ocean and water.”
In addition to the Durango Farmers Market, Clements’ ceramics can be found at claybydre.com. Her work will also be available at the Durango Autumn Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 20 and 21 on East Second Avenue in Durango.
Those more interested in producing pottery themselves can attend the wheel-throwing classes she will be teaching at Ignacio’s Dancing Spirit Community Center in September.
ngonzales@durangoherald.com
