Cathy Hammond has lived near one coast or the other most of her life, and for many years within easy reach of four different lighthouses. She has wonderful memories of time spent at Fort Williams, Spring Point and Two Lights State Park. When living in South Portland not far from Willard Beach, she would listen to the foghorns and spend some sleepless nights walking the beach, comforted by those guiding beacons flashing their warnings to passing ships.
Cathy recently climbed the spiral stairs inside a historic lighthouse, glimpsing the Keeper’s tiny quarters within. That experience, and knowing that some of Maine’s lighthouses have been offered for sale for only $1, fueled fantasies of life in a lighthouse.
Inspired by these comforting beacons, Cathy began making lamps in the shape of lighthouses: night-lights that would glow from windows at the top. She also made a few “whistles” that when blown give a deep foghorn sort of toot. The ideas expanded from there, and include candle lights, coin banks, salt and pepper shakers, birdhouses and covered jars. Cathy’s lighthouse collection, memories of coastal Maine summers in raku, stoneware and porcelain, is on display at Maine Potters Market for the month of August.
ABOUT CATHY SCHROEDER HAMMOND – Cathy graduated from the ceramics program at Alfred University in 1986. From 1998 to 2001, she was the summer resident potter at Marian Baker’s Islesford Pottery, right on the restaurant landing dock of Little Cranberry Island, off the coast of Mount Desert Island. That island community includes 3 lighthouses on 3 different islands. She now lives and works in Lyman, Maine with her husband and and 10 year old son Nicholas.
?ABOUT MAINE POTTERS MARKET – Founded in 1978 by a group of potters who envisioned a cooperative market where they could educate customers and sell their wares to the public, Maine Potters Market currently consists of fifteen potters from thirteen Maine studios. The rich variety of handmade work available for sale keeps Maine Potters Market customers returning often.?