Horsehair Pottery

This type of pottery is commonly called “Horsehair pottery” because it actually involves using horsehair in the firing process. After the pot is formed and thoroughly dry, it is sanded smooth and then moistened and burnished in different directions making it shiny. It is then fired in an electric kiln and then fired again. The second time the kiln is opened and horsehair is laid on the pot while it is red hot. This makes the squiggly black lines. Other materials may also be used as well such as sawdust or torn strips of newspaper, dependant upon the marks desired.

Raku Pottery

Raku pottery is derived from a centuries old Japanese technique of quick firing ceramics. Originally associated with Zen philosophy and ritual, Raku pottery today is enjoyed for its esthetic qualities, and the spontaneity involved in its creation.

Pots that have been previously bisque fired are glazed, then placed in a small gas fueled kiln and heated to 1500 to 1900 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, they are removed, still glowing, with tongs. They are quickly placed in a combustible material (straw, newspaper, sawdust, etc.) and covered with an airtight container to smoke heavily. Then after a short period of time (dependant on the effects desired), the pottery is removed and quenched with water.

I enjoy the pyrotechnics, the visual effects, drama and spontaneity inherent with the creation of Raku pottery. After admiring the completed work, I am ready to move on to the next piece. It makes me very happy to sell my work as that means others enjoy it as I do. This is very important to me and motivates me to continue to work.

Burnished Black Pottery

The black pottery that I make is a similar technique to that of the Indian potters of the southwest United States. This style of pottery was made popular by the well known potters, Maria and Julian Martinez. Maria died in the early eighties preceded by Julian in the forties. Their ancestors were the Anasazis that inhabited the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde and nearby pueblos of Colorado and New Mexico.

I first start with a very finely textured red earthenware clay and form the pots on the potters wheel, sometimes coil forming them. I also frequently add a hand built top that might feature a spirit bear. The spirit bear happens to be a logo of sorts for my pottery. After the pieces are dried I sand them very smooth and moisten them with baby oil and water. I then burnish the piece with a very smooth stone making the pot shiny. They are dried again, and then fired in a gas kiln on an iron grate over a bed of dry cow manure. An oil drum covers the pots, grate and manure and contains the intense smoke created by the smoldering manure. The temperature reached is about 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. The firing takes around 8 hours.

The pottery is protected by coat of wax and may be cleaned with soft slightly damp cloth. Never use cleaners, or furniture polish.