Timothy Kenefick, studio potter

     The magic of creating with clay has been part of my DNA dating back to the mid 70’s.  While studying for my engineering degree in Connecticut, a much needed semester break resulted in an epiphany for me. Seeking an outlet for my creative energies, I enrolled in a pottery class at the local community college.  It was then that I realized working with clay and creating pottery needed to be part of my life.

     Along the way several mentors helped me explore the many facets of working with clay.  Armand Cottrell, a production potter in Massachusetts, taught me wheel throwing and trimming techniques.  I attended several workshops at Scargo Pottery in Dennis Mass. with Harry Holl, exploring hand building, glazing and various firing techniques.  To this day I still use a wheel that Harry designed and mass-produced.  As a member of The Connecticut Guild of Craftsmen I saw firsthand that the limits to clay creations were only restricted by one’s own imagination.

     For several years I owned and operated Chestnut Hill Pottery in Stafford Springs, CT.  where I sold stoneware and porcelain clay pieces glazed in all types of finishes. Both functional ware and decorative items were available.  My favorite, however, was porcelain clay with crystalline glaze.  Crystals on a clay surface are mystifying!  I was hooked.  They became my focus from thereon out. I must give a very special thanks to David Snair for sharing his excellent research on crystal development.

      In 1984 my life took a different path causing to me to lay aside my clay work.  But the lure of clay and crystalline glazes never left my imagination. Fast forward to 2017 and now in Florida, once again I found my way back to clay with “3Oaks Pottery”.  In my studio creative energies are focused on porcelain clay and crystal glazes.  The shapes, colors and crystals in all my vases and vessels display the beauty and uniqueness of each. 

     I must credit my wife, Christine, for pushing me in this direction.  Interior decorating is one of Chris’ many talents and she has created groupings of similar pieces in our home and for others. Take a look at a few of these below and consider groupings in your own decorating.

     We hope you enjoy as you navigate the 3Oaks website.

Tim & Chris Kenefick, Bella & Max