| Ben Owen III Today |
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 Ben Owen III (B. 1968) has made pottery for sale since he was 13 years old at the site where his grandfather and father established the Old Plank Road Pottery in the Seagrove area of Piedmont North Carolina in 1959. He worked at the potter's wheel during high school and in the early 1990s while in college. He produced work in the shapes, glazes and traditions of his grandfather. As he grew older and more experienced, he traveled in the US attending workshops and conferences.He also traveled abroad, to Japan, Australia, New Zealand and to Europe and recently to China where he diversified his experience while taking advantage of an exchange program and visiting local artist. Over the years, Ben has been commissioned to make work for Bob Hope, Perry Como, Elizabeth Taylor, Ronald Reagan and recently making a special gift for musical artist James Taylor as a lifetime achievement award on behalf of the University of North Carolina. He has been the recipient of many awards and honors, including NC Living treasure in 2004 and being featured in the 2005 N.C. Museum of Art show "The Potters Eye".  Many of Ben's one of a kind works have recently been installed by interior designer Frank Nicholson in a series of hotels including the Umstead Hotel in Cary, NC, the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo, Japan, the Ritz Carlton in White Plains, NY and the Boston Commons. Other installations have been for private residencies as well. Some large scale works have been created up to 5 feet in height to work in proportion with the surroundings.Ben's roots run deep in clay in this area. As a traditional potter with a unique style, he believes that an appreciation of his family history creates a sense of direction in his life. Ben III often reflects, "Each pot is a model for the next," as his work evolves into new shapes and surface treatments. Yet, even his latest creations are strongly reminiscent of the works made by his forefathers long ago. |