Forrest Anderson was a third generation Coloradan born in Greeley in 1947 and raised in Fort Morgan. He spent many days of his youth playing along muddy agricultural ditches with his sisters and cousins.
He was always interested in art and followed this passion to study at the University of Northern Colorado. In his first semester, he was required to take a pottery class, which he approached without much enthusiasm. Despite his initial hesitation, he found a calling in this work, a craft which he would continue to hone and enjoy every day over the next half century of his life. After graduating from college with his fine arts degree, and after he had finished serving in the military after being drafted, all he really wanted to do was make pots.
In 1972, Forrest and his wife Diane moved to Russell Gulch, above Central City where they remodeled a historic boarding house, originally constructed during the 1890s mining era, into their home, workshop, and sales store. He chose to name his potter’s studio and store, Wabi Pottery, a name inspired by the Japanese folk potter tradition he was inspired by.
Once settled in Russell Gulch, Forrest was able to focus on his pottery, to play, and practice and create. Forrest was a curious fellow and was not afraid to attempt something just to see if he could do it. This translated into his art through a remarkable amount of chemistry for a non-science major, mixing large batches of his own glaze recipes, and building his own kilns.
His passion was clay, glazes, and watching them mix together with a red-hot kiln where he learned something new after every firing. Even though his work was truly an art form, Forrest enjoyed most of all making functional, everyday use items that were practical and affordable stoneware.
During his career he made bowls and mugs for several Denver area restaurants and was especially proud to make items for the Mermaid Café in Central City. At his own sales shop, Forrest trusted his customers, relying on the honor system that allowed customers complete freedom and confidence to journey among fragile stoneware items and settle their own tab. Travelers, friends, neighbors - or whomever else - were welcome to enter freely and self-serve their purchases or just relax and enjoy some quiet rustic humble space; morning, day, or night.
Slinging mud was not Forrest’s only talent. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was, of course, a virtual encyclopedia of local historical research; especially regarding anything Russell Gulch. He knew such random facts that his sons would often joke with him that they needed to check ForrestFactCheck.com.
He was actively involved in the expansion of the Gilpin County School and served on the board for eight years. For several years he served on the Columbine Clinic board and was involved in the founding of the local Rotary board.
Humble to his core Forrest was throwing pots until age 77, just days before his brief illness. He died on January 8, 2025, one month after Forrest and Diane had just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.
Diane and their sons, Brook and Cody, along with numerous family and friends are certain to miss this Potter, Friend, Dad, Brother, Grandfather, and Clay Covered Companion.
Plans are pending for a Gulch Style gathering in the pottery shop this springtime when the weather is more agreeable for his life celebration.
