The importance of community and the company of others is obviously a central aspect of Matt Long’s life and I believe this is his inspiration for creating the pottery that he does. As he explains, “I have a wife, two children and a dog. I have a studio to work in and I have friends around me. A lot of those things exist because of my choice about pots, about making pots and being a part of a particular kind of community.” This theme of community is reinforced by Long’s style. His tendency to use glazes and heavy slips that create curvy lines on the surface of his vessels suggesting elegance, courtliness, and class, which are not aspects that typically come to mind \when thinking of alcohol consumption.