For many residents of Western North Carolina, their oasis of solitude in the great outdoors was tarnished by the effects of Hurricane Helene.

Local artisan Andrea Freeman, owner of Freeman Clay Works, shares that deep connection to the outdoors and feels the determined spirit of those around her who are rebuilding and renewing every single day.

“Being outside has always been my holy place,” she shares. “It’s where I reconnect with myself. I walk almost every day, and it doesn’t matter if it’s in our beautiful WNC woods or around the neighborhood – I always feel renewed.”

Andrea’s home pottery studio – actually her basement – has always had flooding issues, so when she saw the predicted rain amounts for Helene, she prepared for three days by digging trenches away from the house, cleaning the gutters and gathering her bailing supplies.

“I was one of the fortunate ones who had little to deal with after the storm,” she shares. “I did bail constantly for two days leading up to the storm and all night before the eye hit. When the electricity went out, I just had to wait.”

She ended with only three or four inches of water in certain areas of her studio – and admits to a bit of survivor’s guilt.

“What folks need to understand is this region experienced extreme trauma. I live near the French Broad River and witnessed the destruction of so many businesses as they floated down the river,” she adds. “Roads are still closed, there are remnants of buildings and cars line the roads by the river. We’ve learned how amazing this community is and have so much for which to be thankful.”

Rediscovering the joy of expression every day has always been a blessing for Andrea, whose functional pottery is a collection of handpainted pieces intended for daily use, not simply for decoration. Her creative earthenware evokes a childlike innocence, a touch of whimsy and, often, a few delightful words of wisdom which is one way she connected with Jacque Bassett, owner of Juelerye Artisan Gallery & Gifts in Mooresville, NC. Juelerye proudly carries Freeman Clay Works in its beautiful gallery, and Jacque treasures sharing Andrea’s pottery with their customers across the country, while also cherishing their mutual love of meaningful quotes.

“Andrea is a gem to work with, and customers love her creative mugs,” Jacque says. She shares a bond with Andrea that’s comprised of love for both art and life!

“I have a deep love of quotes and often use them in my work,” Andrea says. “Jacque also loves quotes, so when she realized I used them in my work, it was wonderful to marry her son’s favorite quote – ‘Ain’t Life Grand’ – with my art. It’s always such an honor to make such meaningful works!”

A mutual friend also reached out after Jacque’s mom passed to ask Andrea if she could make a pitcher with a dahlia and her mom’s favorite saying. Of course, the answer was “yes!”

Much of Andrea’s inspiration has come from her two sons – Rohan, 23, and Max, 20, both now in college and immersed in their own pursuits of art, music, production and design.

“My kids named my basement studio the Hobbit Hole because it has a short door and a shorter ceiling, so yes, it is open to the public, but it’s not easy for everyone to navigate!” Andrea adds. She remembers giving her boys art supplies and observing while they explored all the possibilities.

“Working with children in art helped me loosen up and realize I needed to be more free and truer to myself,” she adds. “Children’s artwork is my favorite of all art – it just makes me really happy!”

Besides Juelerye in Mooresville, you can find Freeman Clay Works at Chifferobe in Black Mountain, Taupe Gallery in North Wilkesboro, Bryand Gallery in Wilmington and in several coffeehouses including The Dripolator Coffeehouse in the Asheville area.

Inspired by the spirit and determination of her fellow artists and neighbors, Andrea invites all to come visit!

“We’re a tourist town and our artists, shops, restaurants, hotels and Airbnbs need you! Not just Asheville, but the smaller towns, too,” she shares.

Follow Andrea’s creative works on Facebook and Instagram @freemanclayworks, call 828.713.9083 for more information or email her at a.freemanclayworks@gmail.com. She supports BeLoved Asheville (belovedasheville.com) as a worthy place to donate, or visit the websites of smaller Western NC towns for donation updates and current needs.