I'm getting my "Clay Day" post out early, 'cause I'll have a long day at the studio on Wednesday as it's my last day to do actual work before the final firing next week. This particular pot is really special to me, because the clay is not a commercial micaceous clay from a big clay company, but clay right from the mountains of Northern New Mexico. (Ever since I started doing clay work, it has been a dream of mine to find my own clay... so this is the next best thing!) On a tip from our instructor, one of the gals from class drove up to purchase clay from Felipe Ortega, a very well known Micaceous Clay Potter here in Northern New Mexico. If you want to check out the work of a true Artist, check out his web page here~
I found this clay a bit more challenging to work with... I experienced more cracking and it didn't seem as smooth to sand & so forth... the commercial clay has likely been processed in such a way that it has more plasticity and is of a finer grain or something. Working with the traditional clay felt a bit like when I was a kid building mud pies...
:)
So here's the building & finishing of my special pot in various stages. (Whereas my last one was the Charlie Brown pot... this one made me think of a Genie Pot... though I sanded & buffed it for what seemed like a very long time... no one appeared to grant my 3 wishes!)
I got a little "photography happy" shooting the finished pot! I just find it interesting how different it looks from different angles, in different settings and with different lighting. Creating pottery is such a Zen activity... it's a lesson in non-attachment, because so many things can go wrong at so many different stages. But, I have officially broke the potter's rule of not getting attached to your work. I love this pot... mainly I think, because it's right from the mountains of Northern New Mexico.
:)
16 comments:
Becky, I am speechless. I have seen a lot of micaceous pots since moving here but this one is my favorite. You are an amazing clay artist!
Becky,
My education about micaceous clay pottery making that I have gotten while visiting you here in Sante Fe has been quite interesting. The trip to the Abiquiu galleries, the chance meeting with the local master potter returning home with a pick up load of raw clay, and watching you and all the work you put into your pieces will always remain a fond memory of my stay here with you.
Thank you
Dad
Well, I can see how you would get attached to a piece of work like this ! I think it's awesome, and I can see the difference in the clay you had to work with, especially in the 5th photo. The last 3 photos really show the pot nicely in different light. The 6th photo reminds me of a little boy (genie ?) with the 2 ears and a little curl on top - and the line of the lid reminds me of his hairline - just need to add eyes, nose, mouth ;-)
Good luck with the firing - look forward to the result next week, so have a great week !
Yes, what an education we're getting, thanks to you Becky. This pot is so wonderful--the word organic keeps occurring to me. Love all the finished pot photos, too, because each one is so different.
I just have to echo what the others have said--You're an artist!
Becky, Becky, Becky!!!
You are an "Artiste Extradinaire"!
The swirl on that lid made me smile, I love it!
Speaking of natural clay, down at the creek, the bank has a thick layer of distinctive gray clay.
Where's my O?
Becky,
I can see why you are attached. This is a wonderful pot. I think I can figure out how you make the lid now, but we still have to talk :-). Beautiful work!
xoxo
What a sweet accomplishment - so far... I am keeping my fingers crossed for little pot to come through the fire intact. You've burnished it to a fine sheen. I would use it for a special potpourri - something that reminds you of the sights and scents of New mexico. Or maybe a nut dish? Or special candies - well, I guess you'll find a use for it without my help! Good Luck, Becky - I'm thinking of you!
Wow, Beck, your artwork just keeps getting better and better! This one is my favorite too - maybe it was all the loving shots you took of it - I like the one with the leaves - very autumn-ish. :) Michele
You're right, Becky! It does look quite different in different light and each time more prettier than the next. I love the twisted handle...interesting to see what you can mold out of a little "dirt" well, not dirt exaclty but the transformation is magical and I would imagine a very Zen activity. I recently purchased a silly Zen Garden where I scan rake a bit of sand and rearrange a few stones in a wooden tray -sounds silly, but it's very calming to me, just like blowing bubbles ;-) Whatever works, right?
Great job, Becky! I'm glad you have been enjoying your Clay Days :-)
This is a fascinating post! Really enjoying your blog a great deal! Thank you!
Hiya Becky,
Brave to branch out with new raw material. I'm sure it is going to be an equal success. I hope this series posted here is not coming to an end :-)
I love this one! The handle is different and I like the way the lid fits the bottom.
This pot is gorgeous, really! How fun to work with more natural clay.
I suppose this art is a lesson in non-attachment, even after if is completed pottery can break. I know a potter and when I broke one of my favorite pieces of hers, she smiled and said 'that is how I stay in business'.
I saw you post at Barb's and had to come and look. Your pottery is pure art. The more photos, the better.
What a beautiful pot you've made! I love the color, and the shape, and that gorgeous lid!
Handmade pottery has always appealed to me. It amazes me, too, that so long ago someone decided to shape some clay, and somehow it was fired and became the first piece of pottery.
I hope you're having a wonderful weekend in your beautiful part of the world.
xo
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