Dennis McLaughlin: Birch Coulee Pottery

Birch Coulee Pottery, established in 1984, is nestled next to Birch Coulee Creek, and historic Birch Coulee Battlefield. It’s only a two hour drive southwest of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, close to the scenic Minnesota River Valley.

The functional stoneware produced by Birch Coulee Pottery is wheel thrown and fired to 2400*F. It is lead-free, ovenproof, dishwasher and microwave safe. The two glazes for which Birch Coulee pottery is recognized are the “dolomite matte” and “celadon gloss”. Iron oxide and cobalt oxides are used to create unglazed brushed designs. Firing in a reduced atmosphere adds subtle variations in the glaze. These variations as well as the nature of the throwing process contribute to the uniqueness of each piece.

One of a kind vessels are also produced reflecting the potter’s interest in glazes made from local materials. Recent interest in unglazed surfaces has involved experimenting with the application of dry clay and oxides to freshly thrown forms. This interest was heightened after exploring cave art in northwestern South Dakota. Visual impressions of these images are incorporated in the unglazed surfaces creating an impressionistic interpretation.