Elizabeth Krome

Elizabeth (Betsy) Krome has spent all but six years of her life in Virginia. After a childhood in Norfolk, she attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, where her interest in journalism led her to major in urban studies.

After graduation in 1971 she lived for four years in Boston, where an ordinary Monday night pottery class led to a change of career. In 1975 she moved back to Virginia to share a Crozet pottery studio with Nan Rothwell. In 1977 her husband’s job took her to Gloucester Point, where she was a founding member of the pottery cooperative known first as Perrin Creek Potters and (after 1988) as Sarah Creek Potters. With the closing of the cooperative in 2003, Elizabeth and her family moved to Toano, where she created Quail Run Pottery. In 2023 she moved the business to her new home in Carrboro, North Carolina.

Artist’s Statement

My pots are fairly simple and unadorned, and for years I felt apologetic for this. A few years ago, however, I began to look at my work differently. When I displayed my pots at a large regional gathering of Quakers, I finally had the context to explain my work to myself. One of the traditional Quaker testimonies is the value of simplicity, and I realized that I hands on clayhad been making Quaker pots long before I arrived at Friends’ Meeting. As my pots evolve, I now have a perspective on my aesthetic journey. I am no longer fighting my inclination to make straightforward, functional, well-designed pots.I relate to clay primarily through touch. Sitting at the wheel, I love the feeling of the clay changing shape in my hands. Holding finished pots, I treasure the luscious curve of a just-right bowl; the handle of a well-balanced mug, the satisfaction of a well-fit casserole lid. I make pots to be used. My hope is that the pleasure I find in making these pots will be shared by those who use them.

2 Responses to Elizabeth Krome

  1. My mother in law, has given me two of your pieces; which I like very much. Marion Whitehead had given them to her. I would like to know how to care for them properly. Are you still creating and selling your art. Suzanne

    • ekrome says:

      Suzanne — Sorry for the delay while I was on vacation. I’m glad to know that you have pieces from Marion. My pots are safe in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven. They can’t be taken from the fridge directly to the oven, but other than that they don’t require any special care. I hope you can use them and enjoy them for a long time.
      Elizabeth

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