A Knoxville, TN Craftsman
On top of Chapman Ridge, just above the Old Sevier neighborhood, lives an artist and true craftsman. Barry Crowder’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every project he creates, both sculptural and structural. His passion for art and dedication to Knoxville’s vibrant creative community exist in a continuous, symbiotic relationship.
Pottery is Barry’s muse. A good day is breakfast, coffee and then the studio with his dog, Darlin. Barry’s time at the wheel offers solace. “Throwing on the wheel is one of the greatest pleasures of making pottery,” he says, “but it’s a lot more work than that — prepping clay, making glaze, selling the work. But the joy of throwing makes it all worth it.”
Barry’s passion for history and art inspired the creation of his distinctive mushroom sculptures. The concept first emerged from a garden art project for a friend, featuring unique interpretations of pre-Columbian sculpture. “Not all of the decorations are faces, but they are always on the stem,” Barry explains. He has since expanded on the concept with custom chess sets, pairing handcrafted hardwood boards with individually designed pieces that make every set one of a kind.