| Working with clay has always fascinated me. I gain
a true sense of satisfaction from wedging clay (a kneading process) to
shaping it, to glazing and firing it. To start with a lump of clay
and work it into a thing of beauty truly delights me.
For a time I delved seriously in pottery making; using a potter's wheel,
making my own glazes, and filling a large kiln. But lifestyle changes
presented themselves and I gave away all my equipment. The time came
to reflect. I have never lost my love of working with clay and this
is why I am now offering my creations.
The American Southwest is an area that intrigues me. The Pueblo
Indians live in a beautiful land; gorgeous scenery but the arid climate
makes it difficult to farm. The way those people have been able to
live and sustain themselves in harmony with nature is admirable.
They do it with a joy and beauty that is reflected in their religion.
My jewelry and figurines represent the various Kachinas of the Pueblo Indian
religion. Kachinas are supernatural beings believed to possess powers
over nature and the ordinary factors of daily life. During religious
ceremonies Kachinas are impersonated by men wearing masks and the proper
paraphernalia for the dances.
To capture the essence of the Kachinas, I start by creating a clay model
of a mask or figure, then make a plaster mold to duplicate the model.
Next fill the mold with slip (liquid clay), clean and dry the piece and
then bisque fire it. Then it is painted with engobes (colored clays),
fired again, painted with glaze, and again fired. Pieces with bright
red are painted with a red glaze and fired a forth time. The result
is a completely handmade article.
The necklaces are packed in a protective plastic bag with a fine, rolled
leather cord, a brochure explaining Kachinas and a card describing that
particular Kachina. The figurines (dolls), which are designed to
be used as Christmas tree ornaments and/or birthday candle holders or as
pure decoration, are packaged the same way. My work enables me to
enrich people with a bit of the culture and spirit of the Pueblo Indians.
My art provides a colorful and unique addition to someone's jewelry or
figurine collection whether it is given as a gift to yourself or another.
At the same time it provides me with an income that allows me to do something
I truly enjoy doing. |
