During the 1960's and 70's Rodney Leftwich became interested in the regional folk pottery traditions of Western North Carolina. He collected examples, studying their forms, glazes, methods of manufacture and makers. From this grew a desire to make pottery. In 1977 and 78 he assisted Burlon Craig of Vale, NC, the last of the traditional mountain potters, with loading and firing his groundhog kiln. From Burlon he developed skills in firing and a greater appreciation for the history behind the pots.

Rodney's first pieces were copies of early crocks and milk pitchers as well as face jugs. Most were glazed with Albany slip or wood ash glazes, but some commercially prepared glazes were also tried. When he realized a number of other potters were doing similar work, he began to draw or incise to create decorative vases and candle lanterns. This style, while rooted in the historical traditions of his region, is unique in its approach. Rodney describes these works as art pottery derived from regional folk traditions.

In addition to his one-of-a-kind pieces with incised scenes, Rodney creates folk sculptures such as large face jugs, Appalachian Noah's arks, and pigs or possums with riders. Rodney's wife, Kim, is also a talented potter. She specializes in smaller face jugs, angels, and folk figures of people and animals.

Both Kim and Rodney are natives of Western North Carolina. They treasure the historical pottery traditions of their region which are rapidly disappearing. Their glazes are prepared from wood ashes, local clays and crushed iron rock as was done locally in the 1800's. Traditional crock, pitcher and ring jug forms are utilized. Even the decorations incised, reflect the local animals, people and farms of a bygone era. Holding one of their pots is like holding history in your hands.