Embracing Whimsy and Appalachian Craft: with Kyrstin Riggs of Siren Pottery

In our latest episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kyrstin Riggs, a talented ceramic artist and the creative force behind Siren Pottery. Kyrstin’s journey as an artist is deeply rooted in her Appalachian upbringing, her love of folklore, and her passion for resourceful, hands-on craft.

From Southern West Virginia to Siren Pottery

Kyrstin grew up in southern West Virginia, and her connection to the land and its people has profoundly influenced her artistic career. While her original path wasn’t pottery, she quickly fell in love with ceramics after studying ceramic sculpture. During our interview, Kyrstin shared how her family’s farm and the experience of hydro-fracking on the land became a significant part of her thesis project. It wasn’t long before Kyrstin’s talent in ceramics was noticed, and she began working with Queen City Clay in Cincinnati, where she honed her skills. This led to work with Rookwood Pottery, a globally recognized ceramic studio. Kyrstin’s passion for the materials she works with especially clay sourced from Appalachia fuels her dedication to her craft.

Appalachian Craft Meets Whimsy

One thing that sets Kyrstin apart is her embrace of whimsy. Whether it’s in her intricate, storytelling-inspired designs or her playful take on Appalachian folk art, Kyrstin injects a sense of lightheartedness and fun into her work. During our conversation, we touched on how whimsy is often overlooked in the art world, but for Kyrstin, it’s an essential part of her creative identity. Her grandmother, who was an avid scrapbooker and quilter, deeply influenced this approach, teaching Kyrstin the value of storytelling through craft.

The Power of Resourcefulness in Appalachia

A significant part of our conversation centered around resourcefulness a common thread in Appalachian craft. Growing up in a region known for making the most of what’s available, Kyrstin explained how she still uses discarded or “dead stock” decals in her pottery today, reviving materials that others overlook. This sense of making do with what you have, she says, is deeply embedded in Appalachian culture and shows up in everything from crafts to daily life. “I’ve always been inspired by the resourcefulness of Appalachian crafters,” Kyrstin shared. “It’s about making things work, even when you don’t have the perfect materials. That spirit is something I carry into my pottery every day.”

Siren Pottery: A Name with Meaning

Kyrstin also shared the story behind the name Siren Pottery. As a redhead with a love for mythology, the name was a natural fit for her. The original name, Siren of Jupiter Pottery, was inspired by the planet Jupiter and the mythology surrounding it, as well as her love for Kurt Vonnegut’s Siren of Titan. Over time, Kyrstin simplified the name to Siren Pottery, but the deep personal meaning remains. “It’s more than just a business name,” she explained. “Siren represents a different persona for me—my creative, bold side. It’s the part of me that steps into the studio and makes magic happen.”

Technical Issues and Future Conversations

Unfortunately, we ran into some technical difficulties during our recording and lost about 30 minutes of video and audio. But don’t worry! Kyrstin will be back for another episode, and we can’t wait to continue our conversation and dive deeper into her art and journey.

Closing Thoughts

Kyrstin Riggs embodies the spirit of Appalachia her work is rooted in tradition, resourcefulness, and a touch of whimsy that makes it uniquely hers. From her journey as a sculptor to her evolution as a potter, she reflects the resilience and creativity of Appalachian culture. Her deep connection to the land and the stories she tells through her work offer a refreshing take on both fine art and folk traditions.

As Kyrstin continues to build her presence in the Appalachian art scene, she remains committed to fostering the next generation of artists, passing down the same lessons of craft and perseverance that have shaped her journey. It’s clear that Siren Pottery is more than just beautiful ceramics it’s a reflection of Appalachian heritage, with an added flair of fun and magic.