After three and a half years, Sue’s dedication to the craft led her to a full-time career in pottery, leaving behind her job as an administrator at University of North Carolina Asheville. “I never regretted the choice of leaving the profession I had a master’s degree in and switching to art,” she said. 

For Sue, the joy of pottery was not only in the work itself but in the challenge of constantly evolving as an artist. “When you have created pottery for over 30 years,” she said, “much of the work comes very easily. Although sometimes it is nice to relax in creating something I can do without much thought, it is the challenge of learning and mastering something new that keeps me going.” Today, her work features crystalline glazes, a complex technique she combines with large, simplistic forms to showcase the beauty of the glazes themselves. 

The design process for Sue’s pieces is deeply inspired by the natural world around her. “Inspiration is everywhere, especially here in our beautiful mountains,” Sue said. 

Among her many creations, some pieces hold particular meaning. Sue recalls the creation of a mug design that emerged from her personal experience during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. “We all had fear living through this tragedy,” she said. “For me, the helicopters continuously going overhead gave me a sense of security.” The design of the Asheville Strong mug, which featured a helicopter dropping hearts, became a meaningful symbol for many in the community. 

Sue’s pottery is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating something meaningful for the people who use it. She hopes that her pieces bring joy and make everyday moments feel special in a world dominated by mass production. “I would hope by adding one special handmade focal point to a home or eating off of a handmade dinner plate would make the moments a bit more special,” she said. “When someone purchases a piece of my work, they are getting a piece of me—my thoughts, feelings, years of commitment to develop the skills to create a piece.” 

Over the years, Salvaterra Pottery has grown beyond Sue’s expectations. What began as a small, home-based operation has blossomed into a business that now includes a commercial studio and gallery. Sue attributes much of this growth to the support of her family. “Initially it was a way to create income to support our family with something I loved to do,” she said. Shortly after moving into a new studio, Sue’s husband Randy left his profession and started woodworking. “Initially he had a separate business from mine but after a few years of operating this way we realized it would be better to combine the businesses into one,” Sue said. Salvaterra Pottery & Woodworks was born.

“We began brainstorming pieces that would incorporate his medium with mine,” said Sue. “We viewed it as something unique that most handmade businesses couldn’t offer. Randy also created many pieces that complimented the home decor market, including furniture, lamps, mirrors, bathroom vanities to name a few. His customers became mine and mine became his.  It became a fun adventure for the two of us to share.” 

The Salvaterra family has also found ways to incorporate their son, Alex, and his wife, Virginia, into the business. “Alex was two years old when I began this journey,” Sue said. “He has always helped me with his light-hearted way to put things in perspective.” Virginia, with her background in the arts, also contributes to the creative process, helping with color and design. Together, the family works to ensure that the business continues to grow while maintaining its personal, handmade ethos.

Being a part of the vibrant arts community in Asheville has also played a pivotal role in the success of Salvaterra Pottery & Woodworks. “I seriously doubt I would have the success I have had living in any other community,” Sue said. The abundance of local talent and support has allowed Sue to continually hone her craft and expand her business. Sue’s work is featured in galleries across Western North Carolina, where partnerships with local shops have been key to building the business’s reputation and customer base. “We lift each other up,” she said. “Their success is our success and vice versa.”

Looking ahead, Sue and Randy are excited to focus on creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow them to explore new creative avenues without the pressures of wholesale production. “We are enjoying taking the time to explore and create pieces we couldn’t previously,” Sue said. This next chapter of their journey promises to be filled with even more innovation and artistic growth.

As Sue continues to refine her craft, her work will undoubtedly continue to bring joy and meaning to the people who use it, all while contributing to the rich artistic heritage of Western North Carolina. “There is strength in knowing you are doing the thing you were meant to do,” she said. “A lifetime isn’t enough time to explore everything that is possible with clay. I’ve come to believe I was meant to be a potter.”

Salvaterra Pottery & Woodworks is located at 30 Cole Road, Weaverville. Learn more at PotsAndWood.com.