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 (July 2010) Local Lumbee woman gifted pottery to the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex in early July.
Twenty-four year old Pembroke resident, Akwiasdi Revels, sculpted a Carolina Blue bowl accented with glaze and a scalloped edge; a series of curved projections. “After some thought I decided on the blue bowl,” stated Revels, “it seemed to be perfect, I love to throw bowls and then give them small details that make them special.” According to Revels, the bowl has the ability to deceive the eye making one believe there is glass in the bottom however; the reality is the glaze has just collected in an unusual manner.
Inspired by the women in her family, Revels began making pottery about six years ago while attending college as a sophomore. She explained how she followed in the footsteps of her great Grandmother Lela Brooks, great Aunt Lucy Cynthia Brooks and Aunt Sarah Helen Heckwolf; all accomplished and recognized for their various artistic talents. It was then she decided to sign up for a class at Center City Arts in downtown Greensboro. She recalled a time when she first began making pottery and took her first pieces home only to be called “ashtrays” by her two brothers. Revels cleverly remarked, “If I ever decide to open my own shop I may just call it “Ashtray’s” as a tribute to my victorious triumph over what was seemingly a meager beginning!!” Giving also, attribute to her mother who from the beginning has always used her pottery to decorate the house or serve food in, recognizing that her mother never turned any of her artwork down.
On average it usually takes about two to three weeks to complete a piece, according to Revels. In describing the processes she reminds, “You have to remember that sometimes it is just not your night and it may take you several weeks to throw something that you like.” Revels throws most of her pottery on a wheel, then after giving it a few days to dry she puts it into the kiln to be fired as green ware. Once it cools and is cleaned she applies the glaze to the outside using different methods and then the pottery is fired again leaving her with the final product. Although her occupation is in health care, Revels is currently continuing with classes at Robeson Community College and selling her artwork at Pretty In Bliss, located in the ComTech industrial complex. 
CONTACT:
Kendra Danielle Chavis, Public Affairs Specialist
Office: 910.522.2187
Email: kdchavis@lumbeetribe.com |
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