We are excited to announce the return of the Muggles Market, just in time for Valentine’s Day! This year’s theme is Muggles Market: Love and Plunder, combining our adoration of pirates and love. As usual, you have a wonderful opportunity to get to know our artists, writers, artisans, and entertainment through our Muggles Market Spotlights.
Sean Robinson of Functional Mud Pottery is a new artisan with our Muggles Markets. We asked them a few questions about their life, work, and what treasures they’ll be bringing to Muggles Market: Love and Plunder.
Please tell us all about the plunder you’ll be bringing to Muggles Market.
I make ceramic stoneware mugs featuring geek (dare I say…nerd!?) related medallions. These include Middle earth themes (Prancing Pony, Green Dragon Inn, Rohan, Gondor, Sauron, Smaug, etc) Star Wars (Jedi, Empire, Rebel Alliance), some Hogwarts, D&D and World of Warcraft in assorted mug shapes and assorted glaze colors. All are super cool!
How did you get started making your glorious plunder?
I searched far and wide for a quality ceramic mug that featured a Green Dragon Inn logo from Lord of the Rings. Finding nothing that pleased me, I decided to make my own. Long before that, I took a pottery classe before deploying to Iraq in 2005. Once I returned home over a year later, I dove headfirst into pottery making.
What’s an item you are bringing that you are really excited about?
I am excited about new items in which I am branching into and that is sculpture. Specifically ‘Hogwarts approved owl’ sculptures. They are small, stylized ceramic owls in bright colors that come with adoption papers.
What else would you like everyone to know about your wares?
My pottery is made with NC clay. All are dishwasher and microwave safe. All are made by me in my little studio at home. I make my pottery while I listen to adventure tales on audiobook or while listening to very loud Led Zeppelin.
What’s your favorite love or pirate story and why?
I have ‘read’ A LOT of books over the past few years. I listen to audiobooks while working in my studio. Though not necessarily a pirate story but a definite swashbuckling tale is The Greatcoat series by Sebastien de Castell.
Of course my favorite love (my ONLY love) is my beautiful wife, Ada. She is so awesome.
You can find Functional Mud Pottery on the interwebs!
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FunctionalMud
And, of course, you will meet them in person at Muggles Market: Love and Plunder on Sunday February 5, 2023 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM at Queen’s Sports Complex, 2229 Tyvola Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210! It’s always a good time for pirates! So dress in your finest, sea-worthy garb, and come check out these awesome treasures!