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Yes, it’s in the garden of her Onalaska home and surrounded by shade plants, but this potting shed, designed by Diveley and built by her husband Mike, serves a different purpose entirely.
This is where she makes pots ... and dishes, wall hangings, vases and figural pieces. Some of those works can be seen — and purchased — at this weekend’s Art Fair on the Green on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus.
She didn’t know she was beginning her next career when she attended a clay camp at Behind the Brewery Gallery in 2000. She just thought it would be fun to plunge her hands into clay and build something.
“I was hooked instantly.”
Then, she just couldn’t stop building — pots and bowls and vases and utensil holders. Pretty soon, her house couldn’t hold everything she was making and she started selling them at art fairs. That’s no easy task because everything she makes is heavy and breakable, so transportation is no easy feat. Just ask husband Mike.
“He said my next hobby should be balsa wood carvings,” Diveley said with a laugh. “But there aren’t going to be any next hobbies,” she said, because clay feels right to her.
Now, she exhibits at Art Fair on the Green and other art shows and even has a signature piece, something she calls a landscape bowl that features some of her favorite colors — green and terra cotta.
Diveley was able to dive completely into pottery because she doesn’t use a wheel. She builds all her pieces by hand so she could do it anywhere. In the beginning, that anywhere was the kitchen.
Perhaps it was the pieces of clay mixed with food that spurred it, but eventually, Mike built Joyce the potting shed and she moved operations out there.
“Building is my thing,” she said, which is why she likes the hand-built pieces. “I think the hand work is way more freeing. It’s more about what it will be,” she said.
Diveley said she wants to get people to think differently about art and to consider it when it’s time to give gifts.
Even though most engaged couples sign up at gift registries at big box stores, Diveley thinks a painting or a piece of pottery is a more individual choice.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime gift, but it’s also functional. So help support the arts.”
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