Micaceous Vase II
The Zulu method of coil building that I was taught produces bottom-heavy pottery, and so while this piece has a relatively small foot, its weight makes it sturdy. The form reminds me of a woman wearing a vest or cloak.
This piece was coil built with micaceous clay that I used for the first time during my art residency in Taos this past summer. Clay containing metallic flecks of mica is naturally occurring in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. Traditionally it was used for cooking pots because the mica acts as a temper reducing the risk of thermal shock which leads to cracking. Today, both Native and non-Native ceramicists use this clay to create works of art.
This piece was saggar fired with sawdust. 12” tall, 6” diameter at the widest point.
