California Potters?

I have several coast redwoods that will be ready for bonsai pots soon. I feel that they will be high quality trees, and I am interested in getting custom ordered pots for them. Since they are trees from California, I thought it would be good to put them in pots from California as well. But I am having trouble finding any potters that are still making pots out here. Jim Gremel turned me down when I contacted him, he says he rairly makes pots anymore. I've heard of Jim Barrett, but he does not seem to be on the web, and I don't know if he does custom work, or if he is still making pots at all.

So - does anyone else know of a decent quality potter in California?

- bob

Hi Bob,

It's great you have some Redwoods ready for pots. I love the point where a tree is ready for it's final dress up.

Yes some of our star California potters are slowing down. The Jims (Barrett and Gremel ) have forgotten more than I will ever know. Jim Barrett is a generous teacher and has helped me immensly.

Dick Ryerson is a great wheelman but is also slowing down and is not producing at this time. Its a high energy biz , this ceramic stuff, and most bonsai potters are first bonsai lovers, so the lure of working on our trees compared to getting knee deep in mud...well, you know.
Even still making bonsai pots is fun, everyone should try it.

I would be honored to try and fill your pot needs, contact me through... Bonsai Artisans

---big D

Thanks Dave!

- bob