Micaceous
Pottery
2016-2022
A continual connection to Taos Pueblo - each batch of unique hand crafted pottery informs my place in this space.
Traditional micaceous pottery has been used as utilitarian kitchen ware for millennium. These works celebrate their origins with simplistic appearance and tactility. Each piece is created by me - from gathering to seasoning them for use.
To purchase available pots go to shop.
process
+Preparation
gather
Millenia of natural forces erode and relocate micacous clay into veins in the rocky mountains around Taos. An embodiment of time and geological conflict, the clay connects me to this space and the forces which envelop it.
With respect for these relationships, no more clay is gathered than needed. Only taken during the warm months, the area is allowed to rest during the quiet season.
sort
Constant entropic force connects and combines everything in the environment. Clay, sand, rock, and organic matter are all mixed together.
Water is used to sort the clay to a suitable body for utilitarian ware. Organic matter floats up while sand and rock sink below. The middle space connects the clay, sand, and organic matter into a mix which is malleable enough to form but strong enough for use.
All sorted materials are used elsewhere.
rest
Once sorted, the clay is again allowed to rest and to mix with itself and its environment.
Aged for a year before use, bacteria in the clay mix feeds on the remaining organic material changing the pH balance of the water improving plasticity. The aged clay is then dehydrated to a state of ideal workability.
+Translation
Build
Each pots is individually hand coiled and built upon a custom made plaster puki. My hands and hand-made tools are used to build the shape up and reflect the final form of the work.
The clay from this point forwards becomes inextricably braided with my breath, time, and emotions. Work is only created when my mental and emotional health is positive.
Sand
Using sandstone responsible gathered from the hills around Ojo Caliente, each pot is refined. Through a conversation of conflict, the sandstone and the pot develop a relational shape refining each form.
The sand and the removed clay are sorted and added to the resting clay.
Slip
The topmost layer of the resting clay is used as slip to finish a sanded vessel. The slip fills the grooves left from sanding creating an even and polished surface.
For additional shine, a smooth river rock is occasionally used to burnish the surface of a piece.
+firing
Chop
Locally gathered wood is chopped into small pieces to be used for firing. Split cedar wood is used in my fires for its high heat and ability to split thin. Cottonwood bark, and pinon are also used.
fire
A warming fire prepares the ground removing any moisture from the soil. Pots are warmed inside an oven to reduce the risk of thermal shock when introducing them to the fire outside. Once outside, the fire is slowly built higher and hotter until the fire reaches a final temperature of around 1200 degrees.
Burning wood bakes carbon into the clay creating the multi colored clouds on the clay walls.
seal
To prepare the pot for use, the pot is repeatedly coated with oil and baked. The oil creates a barrier which reduced its permeability to water and extends its ability to use.
There are many ways to seal micaceous pottery for use. For more tips on how to prepare and maintain pottery for use click here.
Video Interviews
An oldie but a goodie video interview from 2017. A glimpse back at the beginning of my pottery journey.
Thanks Savannah
SAR artist talk
An artist talk with the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe at the culmination of the Rolling and Mary Ella King Fellowship.