Ingrid Olsen commissioned this exclusive Three Pots Weathervane as a surprise for her husband Fred’s birthday. She chose West Coast Weather Vanes because she felt our individually hand crafted sculpture techniques could best convey the unique surface characteristics of his wood fired ceramic jars. She said:

“I think a composition of three would work nicely. Also the usage of your materials would complement the composition.”

It was lovely creating this homage to an incredible man and his life’s work. There is one brass pot flanked by two copper pots. As they age and weather the color difference will become quite subtle and complimentary. There are ‘Lucky Pennies‘ from important dates in their lives affixed to the fletching of the arrow, and his Potter’s Mark is inscribed on the arrow cap. Also inscribed, along the arrow’s shaft, is their names and and current year. Because this weather vane would be mounted in a high desert location in California an optional Security Device was added to assure they sculpture would stay in place in high winds.

Historically, weather vanes were first used only by the aristocracy. They next became signage for the trades, helping an illiterate populace to know what service was being performed, or product being made and sold. And so, a renowned potter is now showing his wares atop his desert home.

Perhaps this gives you ideas for ways you can use a weather vane to convey a business, a passion, or a logo. We’re happy to discuss this with you. We have made weathervanes for dentists, farmers, breweries and preschools, to name a few.

Fred Olsen has been a ceramic artist for over 40 years making both thrown functional pottery forms and sculptural ceramics. He specialises in wood firing, in which the natural build up of fly ash falling and melting on the clay and glaze creates unique and interesting effects. He also has an incredible eye for balanced asymmetry. A true artist.