“Ozark Wabi,” a documentary directed by Little Rock filmmakers Eliot Peterson and Molly Wheat, premiered at the New Deal Studios & Gallery, showcasing the life and work of Stephen Driver, a practitioner of Japanese Wabi pottery. The film takes a contemplative approach, highlighting the painstaking process of firing pottery and the beauty found in imperfections.
The documentary captures 40 hours of footage, whittled down to a runtime of just under 40 minutes, showing the artists working with clay and discussing their intentions. The film surprises the audience with humor and stunning drone photography of rural Arkansas landscapes. Viewers walk away with an appreciation for Driver’s back-to-the-land lifestyle and dedication to his craft.
An intimate studio setting was the perfect venue for the film’s friends and family preview, attended by Driver, the directors, and other potters featured in the documentary. The Q&A session led by Brad Burleson was lively, with Driver joking about the challenges of being filmed while working on his craft. The public can view “Ozark Wabi” at the Persistence of Vision Film Festival in Hot Springs and purchase pottery made by Driver and his students at the New Deal Studios & Gallery.
Overall, “Ozark Wabi” offers a unique insight into the world of Wabi pottery and the dedication of its practitioners, leaving audiences inspired and intrigued by this ancient art form.
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Photo credit arktimes.com