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Mark Goertzen found the ideal spot to pursue his passion for pottery when he went to work in 1989 for longtime potter Dick Lehman at Dick's studio in the Old Bag Factory in Goshen, Indiana. He recently bought the pottery studio from Dick, who decided to leave the business so he could work on his pottery and teach workshops without the responsibilities of running a business. Mark was ready for the challenge. It gives him the opportunity to operate his own studio and continue pursuing a craft he loves. He got interested in pottery when he attended Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, where he graduated with a B.A. degree in art. He grew up on a farm outside of Goessel, Kansas. His small town roots are one of the reasons he and his wife, Suzanne Ehst, love the pace of Goshen. "It's just the right size for us," Mark says. "We're more comfortable in smaller places. Suzanne often helps him in the studio and is going back to school to work on her Ph.D. in English. Mark also loves the fact he's developed a loyal following of customers while he's been at the studio. "We have people from as far away as Alaska who stop by every year," he says. "I think it's a real testament to our service here." It's also a testament to the beautiful pottery he creates. Mark's specialty is functional glazed ware and one-of-a-kind wood-fired pottery. He likes to make pottery that is functional. When you roam the studio, you'll find bowls, pitchers, bakeware and platters, as well as vases and ornamental works. About 10 percent of his pots are wood-fired. "The wood ash lands on the pots and does the glazing," he says. He also applies glaze to the surfaces of other works, resulting in the wide range of colors you'll find on the finished works, including dark browns, deep blues and greens and gleaming whites. Even though Dick has handed over the reins, some of his pottery will still be available at the studio, where Mark has invited him to be a permanent visiting artist. Mark also features the works of seven artists from across the country. You'll also see the work of Moshe Hodges, on display at the studio. Moshe came to the studio as a visiting intern from Goshen High School. He's stayed on for several years and found a permanent place working with Mark. It's turned out to be a perfect fit for both men. Mark continues to try new things in his pottery-making. "I really do enjoy making pots, and my goal is to make better ones each time," he says. "I love both the control and release – creating the form with my own hands, giving it to the fire and then receiving gifts back from the kiln." You're sure to find gifts for yourself and others when you stop in at the studio, browse the wide array of pottery and meet Mark. Lehman-Goertzen Pottery |
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A Passion for Pottery
