Father Anthony Art Pottery

Father Anthony

      You should surround yourself with the things you love, unfortunately some of my loves are way too expensive. Maybe that is a good thing, to get everything you want all the time leaves no space for desire and then passion.   I am a stay at-home-mom, a dying breed in my circles, and with one income supporting five you tend to educate your hobbies rather than invest in.  This long education of Art, specifically pottery has afforded me a knowledge of an artists skill and talent, and every once and awhile I discover a gem that in it's obscurity is affordable.  Introducing Father Anthony. 

      Father Anthony is a Trappist monk who lives in the pristine hills of Napa Valley, California at the Abbey of New Clairvaux Monastary.  He was born in Philadelphia in 1935 and studied Business and Engineering at Drexel University where he received a B.S. degree in Commerce in 1957.  In 1963 he entered the Dominican Order and received a degree in Philosophy and an advanced degree in Theology from Saint Albert’s in Oakland. Father Anthony was ordained a priest in 1969 and entered the Abbey of New Clairvaux in 1972 where he has remained ever since. Here at the Abbey is where he found his love and talent for pottery. 

      I came across one his pieces at a thrift store and immediately noticed the fluidity and lightness of his work.  The glaze was outstanding, even, carefully fired, with a color that evokes ones imagination.  It's a simple vase made with complicated techniques, finishes, and the spirit of an artist who long ago was comfortable with his work.  

     His works are still for sale at the monasteries gift shop for modest prices and I wouldn't wait. I have a feeling with time he will be recognized as one this centuries art pottery elites.