Alan moved to Cotopaxi, Co., in 1971 and set up a pottery studio. The first studio was a primitive set up with alternative sources of energy used for living as well as working. The first two kilns were salt and wood kilns with a kick wheel and not much else. Developing a style of his own, Alan started formulating shiny glazes of blues and bright colors, which have remained his trademark.
After eleven years he moved his studio to downtown Salida, and started his first retail store. Still doing retail shows and renaissance fairs, Alan also sold to stores throughout the USA. In late 1980 the emphasis of the pottery became dinnerware place settings which are the strongest selling items (about four hundred sets of dinnerware a year). Each functional piece of pottery is dishwasher/microwave/oven safe and lead-free.
In 1996 the pottery moved once again; this time to Villa Grove on Highway 285. The store in Villa Grove has been the best location so far. The highway brings many diverse tourists to the pottery in the summer and fall.
Alan and his wife and partner Diane, also offer Casa Azul’s Guest House & Pottery Retreat where one can stop for overnight or several days, and also try their hand at making a piece of pottery.
Alan travels extensively throughout the world visiting fellow potters and artists.
