The powerful presence of Melissa Greene's pots stems from the way they balance the narrative and the decorative. Some of them describe her past–plants and animals in places she's lived, like the Atlantic coast and the Maine mountains–while others tell of the strength and creativity she sees among women in other cultures.

My influences come partially from the places I grew up- Podunk, in Connecticut and the mountains and lakes of Rangeley, Maine. I was particularly inspired by living and traveling abroad at a young age, especially by a trip to Lapland in northern Norway. Here I realized a strong interest in how people living a self-reliant lifestyle, close to and with an essential respect for nature, held a strong intuitive commitment to beauty which is reflected in every part of their daily lives. There was no separation between art and life, the two existed as an integral part of each other. I desired to become a maker of beautiful objects, and without really knowing why, at age 14, chose clay as the medium. Thus, my imagery is a reflection of more than 25 yrs. of observation into relationships between animals and the natural world, myths, rituals, women, families, daily life, and the crafts of many cultures.

~Melissa Greene