- Accepts Etsy gift cards
Billy Ray Hussey, raised in Seagrove, North Carolina, hails from a family deeply rooted in the area's renowned pottery traditions. Learning the craft from his great-uncle M.L. Owens, Hussey opened his own pottery shop in 1988, specializing in earthenware and stoneware. His early education in pottery began in his great-uncle's shop, where he honed skills such as clay preparation, wheel throwing, and glazing, completing his first piece at age ten.
Inspired by his upbringing and surroundings in North Carolina, Hussey's artistic journey evolved from crafting face jugs to specializing in figural pieces by the early 1990s. His repertoire includes lions, dogs, bears, and horses, drawing inspiration from Staffordshire, England, where the tradition of figural animal ceramics flourished in the 19th century. Hussey's signature animal figurines, characterized by their whimsical expressions and robust forms, stand as iconic symbols of contemporary Southern pottery. Reflecting a blend of lightheartedness and ceramic expertise, these figurines showcase the rich heritage of Southern pottery, with Hussey's contributions highlighted in recent showcases of Southern art. His work displayed in prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Mint Museum, and the North Carolina Museum of History.
3.75 x 3.75 inches - signed