Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
| Company type | Picture book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Laban Carrick Hill, Bryan Collier |
| Products | Illustrated picture book |
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave is a 2010 illustrated picture book authored by Laban Carrick Hill with artwork by Bryan Collier, who received both the Coretta Scott King Award and a Caldecott Medal honor in 2011 for his illustrations. The book was released by Little, Brown and Company.
Synopsis
This work tells the story of David Drake, an enslaved craftsman from 19th-century South Carolina, using straightforward free verse poetry. It presents a contrast between typical perceptions of soil and Dave’s unique perspective, viewing it as a resource for crafting vessels intended to hold flowers, store food, and safeguard memories. The narrative follows his creative journey—from gathering clay along Big Horse Creek, molding pots on his wheel, to applying a glaze made from wood ash and sand. Before the pottery dries, Dave carves poems into the surface, signing his name and dating each piece. The book closes with photographs of Dave’s pottery alongside an in-depth biography that examines his life and poetic engravings.
Background
The inspiration for this book came to Laban Carrick Hill after hearing Vassar College art professor Lisa Gail Collins discuss African influences on African-American art and mention one of Dave’s pots and poems. Hill’s interest deepened after viewing an Antiques Roadshow segment featuring Dave’s work, prompting extensive research including materials from a University of South Carolina exhibition catalog that enhanced his understanding of Dave’s craft.
Bryan Collier prepared for the illustrations by visiting Pottersville near Edgefield, South Carolina, where he met local potter Stephen Ferrell who demonstrated how Dave’s legacy shaped regional pottery traditions. Collier created the artwork using a blend of watercolor and collage on heavy Arches watercolor paper to visually represent each stage of Dave’s pottery-making process. Since no photographs of Dave exist, Collier used a model as a reference. Although the text does not explicitly identify Dave as enslaved, Collier conveys this through imagery such as shackles and scenes of enslaved laborers in fields. Deeply affected by Dave’s story, Collier depicts his work as a testament to resilience and dignity amid adversity.
Reception
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave garnered positive critical acclaim. Kirkus commended Hill’s "playful" narrative style and vivid descriptions. Booklist praised Collier’s artwork as "imbued with pride," capturing characters in expressive stances. Book Links recognized it as an excellent resource for teaching African-American history. A starred evaluation from School Library Journal described the book as "flawless," highlighting how Hill’s poetry resonates with Dave’s own words and applauding the intricate portrayal of Dave’s hands and gaze.
The book received several honors. In 2011, Bryan Collier was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award and named a Caldecott Medal Honor recipient for his illustrations. Additionally, it was listed among the recommended titles for the 2011 Orbis Pictus Award.