The OG Artist Jedi - David Drake (The Potter)
We deep dive all into all about David Drake! One of the O.G.'s of pottery making and whose pieces were the foundation of a revolution.
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Last month I attended the the High Museum in Atlanta, GA. An avid lover of art, community, and history I pretty much live there! While traveling among the large paintings and classic art pieces a large tan bulbous vase caught my eye. Above it in big bold words read Hear Me Now.
This exhibit featured pottery works by the Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina. It was one of the most immersive and emotional exhibits about black life I've ever witnessed.
FYI, I wrote about this experience in my Create Pop Issue here!
Not only did I learn about a ‘niche’ part of slavery that I never knew existed (sobbing) but I also gained insight into an incredible host of enslaved artists, their revolutionary work, and one of the O.G.’s of pottery himself Dave The Potter.
You’re talking about a man whose very artwork was a revolutionary act and who was ahead of his time for his artistry, skillset, and knowledge of more.
I was so impressed by the exhibit and knowledge of Dave that I’m writing about him, his community, and his work in this blog series so stay tuned!
Now, let’s dive into why you should know Dave The Potter! But first, a little history lesson. ahem…ahem
Who Was David Drake The Potter?
A fearless man with a revolutionary signature.
David Drake, or Dave The Potter, was part of the industrial slave movement in Old Edgefield, South Carolina from the 1820s to the 1870s.
The Carolinas were known for their rich clay material and pottery was a hot commodity in the southeast. Well, a man by the name of Dr. Abner Landrum (cue thunder clap sound effect) successfully used these large clay deposits to create the first-ever non-porous (nonwhole) pottery jars perfect for storage.
His industrial kiln factory (the first of its kind) met the pottery demand of the neighboring plantations and as such Pottersville was born. Pottersville alongside the Old Edgefield District would house slave workers, tradesmen, and other factory workers.
It was at Pottersville you would find other slave workers like Dave.
Historically, we can trace Dave’s lineage to Landrum and his owners. Artistically, we have tracings of him that far outweigh that. Thank goodness for us that Dave had the consciousness, the foresight, and the courage to make his mark known.
He would do this by signing his name into his jars - a criminal and punishable act.
Why David Drake Was A Revolutionary?
David Drake took autonomy of his work by signing his names onto his jars - a criminal and punishable act.
While Dave worked at the slave plant it’s theorized he also worked at the local Old Edgefield newspaper.
It was illegal for any slave to have any literary or writing skills so this was a legit ballsy act. Dave took his knowledge and began signing his jars certifying him public enemy #1!
Dave expounded upon his signing practice to include his slave owners. After he was purchased by Lewis Miles he would sign his name onto his jars knowing the signature would appeal to the neighboring plantations.
Think of it like a famous business LOGO or tagline.
Dave’s acts of defiance cemented their existence, and his poetry jars are a tour de force of art, history, and sheer will.
Honoring Dave The Potter’s Legacy
Thanks to his revolutionary act David Drake's legacy outlives his oppressors.
To think out of the entirety of the works that came from the slave potters of Old Edgefield, SC, Dave’s surviving 270 pieces shed light on their story.
These are the ones who toiled at the plant, who learned chemistry, sowing, molding, and pouring themselves into the artistry that served their oppressors.
Dave Drake’s pottery, jugs, and vases are found in museums and traveling exhibitions such as Hear Me Now.
His pieces continue to inspire new generations of pottery, folk art, and jars. Yet, while it’s important to acknowledge the beauty and inspiration his artwork inspires, it’s equally important to know the duress his pieces came out of.
Dave was an incredibly complex person operating in a tumultuous time. He adopted the last name Drake from his slave owner. He grappled with loneliness, racism, backbreaking work, and identity.
What interests me most about Dave's jars and pieces is their ability to exist in two worlds. Pre-emancipation and post. Slave Man and Free Man. His courage and defiance in his time will be a lasting example of a stone revolution.
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