The Pottery: Traditional Materials and Techniques; Old-Styles and Contemporary Forms
The vessels I make are of traditional natural materials. First, I gather moist pure clay from local riverbed sources; which is then dried three to four months in the sun. When dried, the resulting clumps are crushed, ground and sifted into a fine powder. Temper is also gathered and processed; volcanic ash, silt, or pottery shard may be used. After hand mixing, the clay is set aside for curing. It is then later mixed several more times. Finally, after months of preparation, the clay mixture is ready for use.
There are several ways to build a vessel: all employing traditional techniques. Most times, I start with a slab of clay, coiling and then scraping the basic form; sometimes carving, often molding and compacting freeform. Usually, I have an idea of a shape and size, but other thought or events may intervene affecting the final form. I use a variety of traditional tools, but never a potting wheel, or any other mechanical process. Appliqué, incised designs, and slips are added after the initial building. Repeated polishing is done while the vessel dries. Complete drying takes at least three days and up to three weeks, depending on size. Then it is ready for firing.
Firing is an all-day process. Cedar wood is used because it burns efficiently and at high temperatures. Fire clouds happen by chance. When finished, debris, such as ash, is carefully removed from the extremely hot vessels. Refined pinion tree sap that was gathered, cleaned and processed is then swabbed inside and out with a “mop” on a stick while the vessel cools. Finally, the pottery is polished with a cotton cloth to a high shine.
The Potter
Born August 30, 1963, of the Bitterwater Clan of the Nakai Dine Clan. Unemployment is extremely high on the Navajo Nation. Through my adult life, I have been employed sporadically among many trades: I once made jewelry for the late Herbert Taylor; drove a tow truck for several years; and worked at an auto dealership. After dabbling in making pottery for over a decade, it is only very recently that I considered myself a potter. I am self-taught. At the moment, I consider myself more serious and engaged with my pottery.
The vessels I make are of traditional natural materials. First, I gather moist pure clay from local riverbed sources; which is then dried three to four months in the sun. When dried, the resulting clumps are crushed, ground and sifted into a fine powder. Temper is also gathered and processed; volcanic ash, silt, or pottery shard may be used. After hand mixing, the clay is set aside for curing. It is then later mixed several more times. Finally, after months of preparation, the clay mixture is ready for use.
There are several ways to build a vessel: all employing traditional techniques. Most times, I start with a slab of clay, coiling and then scraping the basic form; sometimes carving, often molding and compacting freeform. Usually, I have an idea of a shape and size, but other thought or events may intervene affecting the final form. I use a variety of traditional tools, but never a potting wheel, or any other mechanical process. Appliqué, incised designs, and slips are added after the initial building. Repeated polishing is done while the vessel dries. Complete drying takes at least three days and up to three weeks, depending on size. Then it is ready for firing.
Firing is an all-day process. Cedar wood is used because it burns efficiently and at high temperatures. Fire clouds happen by chance. When finished, debris, such as ash, is carefully removed from the extremely hot vessels. Refined pinion tree sap that was gathered, cleaned and processed is then swabbed inside and out with a “mop” on a stick while the vessel cools. Finally, the pottery is polished with a cotton cloth to a high shine.
The Potter
Born August 30, 1963, of the Bitterwater Clan of the Nakai Dine Clan. Unemployment is extremely high on the Navajo Nation. Through my adult life, I have been employed sporadically among many trades: I once made jewelry for the late Herbert Taylor; drove a tow truck for several years; and worked at an auto dealership. After dabbling in making pottery for over a decade, it is only very recently that I considered myself a potter. I am self-taught. At the moment, I consider myself more serious and engaged with my pottery.