Dallas County

Clay Art

Becky Blaylock was a teacher and library media specialist for twenty-eight years in the Selma City School System. She received a BS in Elementary Education from the University of Montevallo, an MS in Elementary Education from the University of West Alabama, and library media specialist certification from Alabama State University. As a classroom teacher she enjoyed incorporating the arts into the curriculum because the arts created interest in the lesson.

The summer of 2007 at Auburn University in Montgomery was her first experience in working with clay. She anticipated retiring from education in 2011 and was looking for another hobby. She loved clay from the moment she first touched it and found herself searching for additional opportunities in working with clay. Alabama Clay conferences were both educational and inspiring. While participating in a pottery class at the University of Montevallo she learned more about the history and basics of pottery making. U-Tube videos and books also proved to be valuable resources in her quest to master the clay medium.

Nature plays a large role in her inspiration for both the design and decoration of the pottery. Leaves, grasses and objects found in nature create interesting textures in the clay that remind us of our earthly surroundings. She primarily makes functional pottery for the table that enhances the pleasure associated with food.