Barry’s pottery journey began in the late 1970s at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Initially, he pursued pottery as a student, later becoming a studio assistant, and eventually, an instructor. Simultaneously, he pursued his Ph.D. in Physics at Emory University, dedicating his days to pottery and evenings to his dissertation. After receiving his doctorate, Barry taught for ten years at Clark College in Atlanta before joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite his demanding work schedule, he continued to make pottery on nights and weekends. His work has gained national recognition, with exhibitions in various galleries across the country. Barry’s pots have found homes in numerous public and private collections, including the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now retired from the CDC, Barry has finally transitioned into a full-time potter in Western North Carolina. He resides on a former tobacco farm with his artist wife, Ruby Bock.
"In my ceramic art, I strive to bridge the gap between sculpture and functionality. While I consider my work sculptural, I never stray too far from the vessel form. I hand-build flower vases, cups, and bowls in various configurations, occasionally reverting to my throwing roots. While the surfaces are simpler now than in the past, they still retain some of the prominent lines, patterns, and textures from my earlier work. My surfaces now rely more on texture, color, layering, and the effects of slowly cooling my kiln to enhance the formation of micro-crystals in my glaze. My pieces are characterized as mid-range stoneware, fired to cone 6 and slowly cooled to enhance the glaze surfaces."