Horn Hill Pottery
Horn Hill Pottery
Ellicottville studio opens its doors; brings families together through art.
While it’s true that the pandemic has created significant obstacles to traveling, working, and learning, it has also created a significant change in pace in the most ordinary aspects of life. Those whose work or learning schedules wouldn’t normally allow them to share meals are now able to come together. In the words of potter Ed Doherty, “I really believe in the importance of slowing down and coming together at the table. Sharing food together forces people to be more vulnerable with each other while this most basic need is being met.” Doherty’s pottery is a celebration of this authenticity and is what fueled his family’s journey to Ellicottville, where they have recently opened their pottery studio at 6806 Horn Hill Road.
Although Horn Hill Pottery opened to the public just two weeks ago, Doherty is hardly new to the art, as 25 years of experience making pottery and working in clay has taken him and his family all over the world. “I’m from Long Island, and my wife, Deanna, is from Buffalo,” Doherty explained. “We met at SUNY Buffalo State, where I studied in the ceramics program … I’ve always wanted to set up a studio - that was always a part of the master plan - but part of moving around was the experience and pursuing opportunities that presented themselves to continue to learn, study and produce.”
The Dohertys spent a year and a half in Korea, where Ed had an exhibition and focused on sculpture. The family also lived in Las Vegas, Nevada and Cuba, New York, but most recently spent the past 12 years in India. Doherty explained, “In India, my wife and I both taught at the American International School; I was brought there to start a ceramics program. I also ran an organization that raised funds for supporting local craftsmen in the community and throughout India. A lot of the craftsmen are giving up and moving on to more lucrative jobs, so the traditions of craft in India are getting lost. A big part of what I did is ensure they were funded.”
Making the decision to move back to the U.S. was not an easy one, as India was home for many years, especially for the Dohertys’ two sons, who were one and three years old when the family moved there.
Doherty explained, “We love the area, and Ellicottville has always been on our radar. Part of our decision to buy a place here six years ago was to have our sons feel more connected to the U.S. We looked in Idaho, Indiana, and Arizona, but the community here is what pulled us back. Ellicottville has that village vibe: awesome, real people who support each other.”
While the family decided to move to Ellicottville permanently last fall, it wasn’t until June that the Dohertys were actually able to leave India, as all international flights out of India were canceled due to the pandemic. “It definitely was a process,” said Doherty of the transition to the U.S. “In July, I started retrofitting and building out the studio space, which used to be a large out-building on the property just behind our house. I began insulating it, framing it, and installing windows. It definitely took time especially with COVID-19, but I’m really happy with how it’s evolved.”
The studio, which includes a showroom, is outfitted with the Dohertys’ traditional Indian furniture that was once a part of their home. “Our story is mixed into the aesthetics of the space,” Doherty explained. “What you see is something that has been a part of us and really important to us; when people come in, they have the opportunity to get a glimpse and it opens up great conversations.”
Doherty’s wheelthrown pottery is completely handmade without molds and includes tableware such as coffee cups and mugs, dinner plates, bowls, crocks, as well as large platters and bowls. He added, “Eventually, we want to have events here with demonstrations and encourage people to come out. I’m building a kiln right now and will be building two large kilns outside in the spring powered by wood fire.”
Horn Hill Pottery is just a three-minute drive from the village and is open weekdays from 9:00am-1:00pm and 3:00-5:00pm and on Saturdays from 9:00am-5:00pm. For those who would prefer a private appointment outside of open hours, Doherty said they are welcome to contact the studio at 716-801-5625 or hornhillpottery@gmail.com.
For more information, visit Horn Hill’s website and web shop at hornhillpottery.com or follow @hornhillpottery on Instagram for the latest news and photos from the studio.
