Allison Coles Severance: Sculpting Narratives in Clay

CraftsmanBehind the Scenes (Regional)South Mountain ArtistFeatureStudio TourPottery Trail

Dec 28

In this feature, number five of the ten potters currently on the Pottery Trail we introduce you to Allison Coles Severance and her studio, Highfield Pottery. In the world of pottery, every artist has a unique story to tell. Among them, Allison Coles Severance is a name that resonates with art lovers and pottery enthusiasts across the globe. Operating from her studio nestled in the scenic Appalachian foothills of Washington County, Maryland, Severance has been crafting narratives in clay for years, leaving her mark on the world of pottery and the hearts and minds of her collectors.

The Journey of Allison Coles Severance

Allison's journey into pottery began at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. She needed an elective and she choose pottery. As soon as her hands were in the clay a dream was set. Her studio work started in Boonsboro, Maryland, where she established her first pottery in 2003. After building a single chamber catenary arch wood kiln, she relocated to Cascade in 2012. As both a potter and an educator, Allison balances her love for creating art with her commitment to imparting knowledge. Letting her hands be lead by the clay as she creates Allison’s work stands as a reminder that there is beauty in imperfection and a story behind every piece.

Allison's Approach With Clay

Allison's signature technique involves wood-firing salt glazed pottery — an ancient process that creates distinctive surface effects, resulting in uniquely beautiful pieces. Each creation is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, reflecting her philosophy that pottery should serve a practical purpose. There is something absolutely fascinating about her pottery is that there is a story in each piece and like a well formed song each individual can find their own story in the pottery. This is not just beautiful pottery, it is the “soundtrack” for living. As Allison puts it, each piece of pottery "at the table– decorated with food and passed around by hand – will eventually come to life. My pots send out a visual invitation to be held in the hand."

Allison's Work: A Testament to Her Craftsmanship

Allison's work stands out for its unique aesthetic and quality. One such piece is a storage jar made from porcelain and brown stoneware, a testament to her ability to transform clay into objects of beauty. Her Instagram handle provides a window into her life as a potter5, showcasing the entire process of creation, from raw materials to finished product.

Allison Coles Severance's work illuminates the intersection of art and functionality. Her creations are not just pottery—they're a reflection of her journey, her experiences, and her passion for her craft. To experience this firsthand, we invite you to explore her work and perhaps even start your own pottery journey under her guidance.

Engaging with Allison Coles Severance

To truly appreciate Allison's work, one must experience her creations firsthand. Her pottery can be admired and acquired through her Etsy shop. For those interested in learning more about her work, her journey, and her process, detailed information can be found on her website, her Facebook page, and most especially in her studio.

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills that make up the southwestern corridor of South Mountain, Alice Severance and her Studio, Highfield Pottery, is one of 10 stops along the Washington County, Maryland Pottery Trail studio trail. Touring the studios along the trail is a delightful way to meet and enjoy ten different artists, their styles, and their approaches to pottery. “When an artist creates in collaboration with the spirit of their location, it becomes a treasure of a lifetime,” says Betsy De Vore, Director of Marketing for Visit Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau.