John Devlin Pottery
John Devlin has worked with a process developed by his late mother, Marie Devlin, since 1970, mainly as a weekend and summertime potter. He has taken her process in new directions and is now established, receiving many commissions and currently has his work in two Iowa galleries. A mosaic of leaves, grasses and small flowers are pressed into the wet clay which, when fired, leaves fossil-type impressions. They are then highlighted by his painting technique. Finished pieces are food-safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher friendly. Works range from functional to decorative to sculptural. Prices range from $4 to $400. Selected works can be seen at the bottom of these pages in the Image Gallery
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John obtained an MA in piano performance from the University of Iowa in 1967. He came to Le Grand, a bedroom community six miles east of Marshalltown, where he taught instrumental music and maintained a piano studio at home playing and teaching on two Steinways, a model B and a restored model R. He has played organ at several area churches and is currently pianist/organist at Hope United Methodist Church where he produces a monthly Arts Evening showcasing the amazing talents of area and national musicians. Since retirement from school teaching (he still teaches piano at home) he has been marketing pottery he makes in a large studio he maintains at his home. The unique pottery utilizes botanics in a process creating fossil-type impressions in the finished ware. He displays in juried art fairs throughout the Midwest during the summers and has work available for purchase at the Perfect Setting Gallery in Marshalltown and the Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames.
