Alex Matisse’s journey as an apprentice to a potter profoundly influenced him, molding him like clay. Upon entering the world of pottery, he felt an immediate connection, knowing this was his calling. He absorbed lessons about pots having skin, bones, and skeletons, and how a plate should embody the fullness of the moon. These artistic descriptions resonated with him, reminiscent of a painter defining their craft. Interestingly, his great-grandfather, Henri Matisse, once remarked that he painted not the literal object but the emotions it stirred within him.
In 2009, Alex established East Fork Pottery in Asheville, North Carolina, with a vision of ceramics as a canvas, a medium flowing in his veins due to his artistic lineage. Despite distancing himself from his famous last name, Alex strived to forge his own path. With support from his wife Connie, they built a wood kiln on an old tobacco farm, even though her passion lay elsewhere. As the business flourished, Alex faced challenges, leading him to embrace changes and modernize his approach, which initially baffled his customers but ultimately paid off.
Today, East Fork Pottery boasts a devoted following of “Potheads” who collect and cherish Alex’s creations. His decision to integrate elements of his great-grandfather’s artwork into his pottery further solidified his artistic legacy. By meticulously applying decals of selected works by Henri Matisse, Alex honors his family heritage while forging his own creative identity. Despite the weight of his ancestry, Alex remains focused on his craft, following his own creative path with courage and determination.
“It’s all about timing,” he remarked. “There’s no weight to it. It’s just an additional layer, an intriguing part of my personal history and my family’s past. Celebrating it and sharing it feels wonderful.” Find more information at East Fork Pottery in Asheville, North Carolina. This story was produced by Kay Lim and edited by Remington Korper. Additional segments can be found on recreating Matisse’s “The Red Studio,” Matisse and Diebenkorn’s works showcased together, and Matisse’s captivating cut-outs on “Sunday Morning.” Visit “Sunday Morning” archives for more on Impressionism’s 150th anniversary. Other topics covered include interviews with McMaster, Maher, and Kerger on Face the Nation, insights from the Ukrainian ambassador on Russia’s use of drones on civilian targets, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s thoughts on the upcoming U.N. ambassador hearing for Mike Waltz.
