Twin Pots finds home downtown

TROY, N.Y. >> The ability to see, not just visually, but to reinterpret, problem-solve and create solutions can be learned, but more likely it is intrinsic.

If you are an artist, there is not a structured path in how to proceed, whether in career or for a project. It is a process and a learned experience; you make your own goals.

The challenges can be as simple as working with materials, problem- solving to create the piece that you want, figuring out how to translate ideas and connecting with people through the work.

Sarah Bowen, artist and owner of Twin Pots, made a New Year’s resolution to get back into working with clay. The Philadelphiaarea native and graduate of Gordon College in Massachusetts had grown up in an artistic family.

During her studies, she believed she would become an oil painter. She had taken classes in stone, wood carving, and ceramics, and decided 3 years ago; with her resolution, to fully invest in working with clay.

This is how Twin Pots was born.

Bowen was inspired by her favorite clay project that she made in college from a photograph of an old man. She had a great relationship with her grandfather and wanted to find a way to celebrate the elderly. The passing of time, changes in features, and the knowledge in earned wrin-

kles should be things that are positive.

Bowen has since incorporated the unknown elderly man’s face from the photograph into the signature style of Twin Pots. These faces show up as small planters for air plants, mugs, and overturned as a bowl for a hanging basket.

Other whimsical and witty designs by Twin Pots include tipsy mushrooms, organically designed mugs and abstract containers and slab pieces.

All of Twin Pots pieces are functional and no two are alike. Bowen embraces the asymmetries evident in pieces that are made by hand. She uses high-fire clay, which is more durable, particularly white clay and speckled clay.

The glaze colors that she

is drawn to are aqua bluegreens, grays, and occasionally bright reds and oranges. Her work is always evolving, inspired by seasonal themes.

Nothing is too flashy; all pieces are solidly made and carefully painted.

This attention to detail is also reflected in her display and space. One may have seen Twin Pots on Etsy or her booth at different Outdoor Markets throughout the Capital District.

For the Troy resident, she never knew that this 3- year venture would quickly turn into an opportunity for a storefront space. The shared space, operated by Weathered Wood, became available during the summer and she found a perfect opportunity to venture into a brick-and-mortar shop.

Her space is curated with the same blue, green and white colors as her vending tent.

“I’m excited to be in a space with working artists. One of the first things that drew me to Troy was the creative community here,” Bowen said. “Interacting with other artists, connecting with customers; it allows you to change, to think differently and creates a push and pull to inspire you to continue making art.

“I want to make people smile. It still is so rewarding to see people’s reaction to the work. I keep doing this just for that.”

In addition to Twin Pots, Bowen is an arts educator with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady and various workshops through local libraries. She and her husband are expecting a baby next year and are excited to see what more things grow in downtown Troy.

Twin Pots is open Wednesday through Saturday