FEM

Jewelry

Indian Pottery

Updated: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 01:31 PM

Origins of Pottery

    Created as the 4 elements, earth, air, fire, and water, American Indian pottery comes to life. Clay is in the dirt, and depending where you live, has different forms/ types of clay, which gives different colors. Most pottery is constructed by the coil method. The pot is then are set aside to dry. After drying, and refining the surface. A mixture of water and very fine clay, is painted or wiped onto the vessel. The surface is then carefully polished with a small, smooth stone. Firing takes place in either, (mostly) in a primitive way and sometimes in a commercial kilns.
    With hand painted pottery, the Indian artist begins a search for the perfect canvas by visiting a supplier of pottery vases created from a seemingly infinite number of molds. Once the pot is carefully selected, the artist faces the unique and difficult challenge of painting on a surface that is rounded, angular and must be precisely and steadily positioned. The artist does not use a brush; instead a piece of the yucca desert plant is selected, harvested, and then tediously honed into the instrument used to apply the paint. Within the serenity of their own home, the American Indian artist will skillfully complete their work. The artist, completely satisfied, will then proudly offer their work for your consideration.