The natural world is a powerful muse and source of inspiration for our artisans. Below we introduce just a few of our members whose creative lives are influenced by the beauty of the Lowcountry. Come and admire their work in wood, clay, precious stones and metals – and see how the details of nature come alive in every piece.

Ron Herzog is a woodworker who creates his striking pieces using a process known as intarsia, a time-honored technique using interlocking pieces of various wood species for color, grain and texture. Ron especially enjoys portraying creatures of the Lowcountry, such as the birds and wildlife often spotted in our local woods, marshes and waterways.

Anne John is a ceramic artist who adds exquisite natural elements to her decorative and functional art pieces. Her wheel-thrown porcelain and stoneware work is embellished with finely detailed features, such hand sculpted birds, organic shapes and vibrant glazes. At the gallery, Anne’s gourd boxes with their graceful spiraling details are a customer favorite.

Another of the gallery’s ceramic artists, John Stoudenmire, is known for his astonishing way of capturing natural elements such as such as leaves, vines and textured bark on his stoneware and porcelain pieces. John lavishly details his work with hand-crafted and raised details, incised and pressed texturing and meticulous glaze painting. Everything John crafts is functional and food and oven safe.

Valerie Lamott creates nature-inspired handcrafted jewelry using traditional metalsmithing and lapidary techniques to express her appreciation for the outdoors. Valerie hand casts sterling silver flowers and twigs from actual botanicals, making each one as unique as nature intended. Many of her pieces share the beauty of state parks and other places she loves to explore.

You’ll find many more handmade objects inspired by our natural world when you visit. We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery soon!