CLC Studios
One of a Kind Offerings from the Fire
AUTHENTICALLY made pottery using wild materials and practices. Click on photos for an enlarged view.
Items with red text are SOLD but remain posted for reference.
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Fresh from the Fire - Spring 2024
My new kiln is 2000' higher in elevation, has amazing airflow and gets extremely HOT! As with all firings, I not only had some incredibly, beautiful pieces evolve but also a few "Head scratchers", some "Oh no, why did I do that!" as well as a couple "Better shot next time" do-overs. One of the things I love about what I do is how NEARLY unpredictable the firing process is. This is a huge for a control freak like me.
NEW pieces are now available for purchase.
Email me with your requests!
#404 - In the early 1920's, the National Geographic Society descended onto Chaco Canyon. Amongst the collection taken from Pueblo Bonito was this one of a kind Chaco Pitcher. Starburst like sunflowers strung around the neck and waistline. As usual I love replication. Passing on the original artist's lines. Notice the varying number of points on the bottom four flowers. This piece has a little carbon smudging but overall quite white. Rings like a bell. 5" x 5.75" $300 SOLD
#411 - Every time I fire, one or two pieces, not by me but by the firing gods, finds the "honey hole" in the kiln. This bowl from Mug House, Mesa Verde was one of the chosen. The stylized "S" shapes keep the interior quiet simple but the rim ticking is overly decorative and the banded, ticked triangle motif on the exterior gives the bowl the final kiss of excellence. One of the highest ringtones I have ever achieved in a wild kiln. Slightly warped out of round and still singing. 3.25" x 8.25" $485 SOLD
#412 - This piece shared the "honey hole" with #411. The organic paint all stayed a vibrant black except for one rim tick (See 3 o'clock on the first photo) that took on the copper color of oxidation. The original of this bowl resides at the Center for New Mexico Archaeology in Santa Fe. I don't believe the provenience is known but no doubt this is an exquisite Mesa Verdean design. Exterior shows some crackling of the white slip (slips shrink more than body clays) as well warm tone tints nearly in fire cloud shapes, evidence of an extremely hot firing. 3.75" x 9.25"
$550
#440 - This bowl, stunningly fired to Black-on-White, was the "Why did I do that that" piece. It set in the back of the kiln across from the wind entrance. I could see only a bit of the outside but could tell the soot was not burning off. I lifted a cover sherd to allow some air flow in to "clean it up".
Sadly the sudden temperature drop, popped a 3" crack in the wall. Even a few spider web cracks appeared on the exterior bottom.
Let's make lemonade!!!! Just like the Ancients I wanted to save this bowl. I drilled four holes and tied them with yucca cordage, carbon and pine sap. The damage happened late in the firing and the piece still has good reverberation, reference to a quality firing. The original of this bowl was found outside of the structures at Sand Canyon Pueblo, near Cortez, Colorado. If you dig authentic, this is it! 4.75" x 9.5" $450
#439 - A one of a kind bowl, in design and color, suffered a similar fate as the previous. But this time I had not removed a cover sherd. The kiln was so hot and open that it took the brunt of the airflow. Three incredibly fine, spider web cracks appeared ONLY on the exterior (zoom in on the right rim of the right photo). Happily, the piece still has good reverberation. The white areas are quite clean, with an oxidized orange, carbon paint burn-out, flowing into robust blacks. The exterior line work, mimics other pieces I have replicated from Yellow Jacket Pueblo. The original was found at Sand Canyon Pueblo, near Cortez Colorado in Surface Structure #211. 4.75" x 9.75" $450 SOLD
#415 - I like to call this design "Lizard in the Field." Here lies rows and rows of furrows with seeds just popping out of the ground, while the lizard watches the sun that's giving them life. This is a replication from an online photo, provenience probably lost to time. Well fired with good tone and a little smudge. 3" x 4" including the handle. $300
#417 - This mug caught my attention due to the irregularities in the pattern. Not mistakes but just letting the design conform to the space available. Over the last few years, I am even more strongly driven to let the original piece speak. At times it takes more work to mimic the looseness of the original artist than if I laid it all out perfectly (see #455). So here's to the best of Mesa Verde.... the mug. The only place, prehistorically this form appeared.
3.25" x 3.75" $275 SOLD
#423 - Ancient Art!! I have seen this form twice. One was found in north central Arizona at the Wupatki site but there is also another online photo with no history. When I was constructing the ladle, the baby was placed in the cradleboard unattached. I was afraid fire shrinkage would crack the band holding "him" in. But some loving spirit carried it through. This is mineral paint, which I so dearly wanted to reduce to black. But brown is okay because the piece is crack free and well fired. One of the most unique pieces I have ever made. 4" x 7.5" $400
#432 - Just another beautiful Mesa Verde mug! Whites are warmer due to abundant oxygen in the last stages of firing. The T-shaped doors grab the floor and pendent from the rim. Paint echoes back and forth between dark black and a deep chocolate brown. A tiny 1/4" rim crack, just right of the handle (see center photo) will be unnoticeable to most. Reference - online photo. 3.75" x 5" with handle $325
#441 - A single photo of this Kokopelli effigy vessel appeared online a few years ago. I replicated it with what I could see but had to use my educated artist mind to determine the rest. I created a birthing scene with a child and a second female figure. But I still so dearly wondered what the original had on the other side. This piece is beautiful. So incredibly grateful that the rope like arms did not break. High toned sound. Black carbon paint. 6.25" x 7.5" $600
UPDATE! Recently, while doing more research, I found the "rest of the story" and two more photos. The original was found "some distance south of Chaco canyon, near the McKinley-Sandoval County line, northwestern New Mexico." by a farm manager in a burned stone masonry structure. It went on display at the governor's mansion in Santa Fe, in about 1960, for a period of time. It was later purchased by J. Owens. The original has only two painted figures, a male and a female. Both were hypothesized to be Kokopellis. The female being Kokopelli-mana. The original is quite a bit larger than my replication. In fact so large it's hard to believe. 12" long by nearly 10" tall. Maybe someday I will replicate it again. For now I am happy with the journey so far. I am so lucky to get to hike the canyons, find the clay, make and fire the pieces, read the research and then tell the story.
#443 - Most of our eyes catch the PIII exquisitely detailed pieces but the earlier simplistic forms are just as beautiful. Here, like pitcher #441, is probably both Kokopelli and Kokopelli-mana bringing music to the moment. Wanting to replicate as closely as possible, I chose to use a mineral that went a dingy brown and applied it with haphazard strokes, just like the original that is on display at the Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding, Utah. A symbolized butterfly is on the exterior curvature. 3.5" x 7.5" $150
#445 - One of my all time favorites. When I started to layout this Edge of The Cedars Museum curated piece for replication, I toiled with whether to clean up the geometric scrolls or to just follow "her" lead. Of course you know what I did. Interesting how on one end, the boxed scrolls get so much looser. Probably the end of the day and the kids were getting hungry. The design is laid out with 10 boxes and 10 rows, I am sure on purpose. Please do not buy this one because I really want to keep it for myself! 3.75" x 8" $550
#448 - Oh WOW! 33 rows of "Mesa Verde index finger pinch" painted with a design of Rocky Mountain Bee plant. Can not believe I got full oxidation of the outside bottom, but reduced grays up around the rim!!!! The design is from a corrugated bowl in the Colorado History Museum, Denver. Four geometric scrolls, circle ten times to reach the interior rim. Always stunned with the artists of the past. 4" x 8.75" $650 SOLD
One of my favorite forms is the painted corrugated bowl. These two are exceptional. I will probably not be able to produce this range of colors ever again!
#451 - Another WOW! Of the 33 coils, some are index finger pinched but some are left smooth to form two banded sections. This clay is from the upper part of Cottonwood Wash, Utah, and it likes to cook. The bowl has warped a bit. The interior paint was trying to burn out and took on nearly a brown wood grain effect with bits of red and orange peeking through. The design is of elongated triangles, squeezed and morphed to accommodate the curvature of the bowls interior. Rings like a bell. Another one of a kind. 4.25" x 7.75" $550 Sell Pending
#449 - 43 rows of what I call the Karrish pinch, using the outside edge of my left thumb. It took on a warmer color, as I fired it on the surface with some redwares and plenty of oxygen. Has patches of reduced gray and some wandering fire clouds. 7.25" tall x 6.75" wide $375 SOLD
This corragated jar runs the gambit in color... from red to tan to gray to black.
Photos don't do it justice.
#453 - 51 rows (much smaller rows and pinch than #449) of Mesa Verde pinch fired in a reducing atmosphere. This piece has surely reached some percentage of vitrification. It was made with a red, high iron clay, so not surprised with its maturation but I am surprised to see it retain a blush of red on one hip. Body clay was pretty gritty and though it's not noticeable on the exterior, a slight separation was just beginning to happen on a bit of the inside rim (photo 4). I really pushed this one to the limit. Lucky me. It survived and its perfect.
8" x 8.25" $600
#452 - The 21 rows of pinching are eye catching, but they can't compete with the creature hanging his snout over the rim, creating a functional handle. This animal handle type is not common but I have seen a few on mugs and pitchers. They were bringing art to everything. 3" x 4.25" including handle. $150 SOLD
Even though these pieces were used with food prehistorically, they have only been fired to earthenware and will absorb the contents. This makes it tough to get them completely clean again.
#464 - I can get lost in the world of Chaco Pitchers. So many designs. It does feel as if groups were making their pilgrimage to Chaco from the out lands, bringing pieces of pottery for trade and gifts. This piece is from Pueblo Bonito, Room 28. Collected by the Hyde Expedition in the early 1900's and now resides in the American Museum of Natural History. It is the new clay mentioned with mug #463. The walls are so thin. Oxidation warmed some of the whites but the black paint held robustly. Really proud of this piece.
4.5" diameter at base x 6.75" tall. SOLD ($450)
#454 - This large mug formed a separation crack in the bottom during the drying process. Could of tossed it back in the bucket and recycled the clay but decided to paint it up anyway hoping the crack would fuse itself shut in the fire. Everything else about the mug is sound. Warmer whites, some lightening of the paint in places but still very nice to display. Housed at the Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding, Utah.
4" x 5.5" including the handle $100 Sold
#457 - This Chaco pitcher with zig zag lightning bolts, found in Room 28 at Pueblo Bonito by the Hyde Expedition in the early 1900's, now resides in the American Museum of Natural History. I knew the kiln was open and getting a lot of oxygen but never expected the warm orange that replaced the black paint. An advantage to this "half and half" coloring is you can spin it, having two unique pieces in one. Incredibly well fired.
4.5" diameter at the base x 6.75" tall SOLD. ($300)
#456 - This kiva jar is the same body clay, slip and type of paint as #457 and turned out nearly the same. I have a whole photo file of sherds and pots that look quite similar with orange color paint, replacing the burnt out carbon when oxygen came in. So it definitely happened prehistorically. In fact the early ceramicist Anna Shepard wondered why they didn't pursue it as a type. It's definitely surprising when you are expecting Black-on-White. A large rim sherd of this a jar showed up on an auction site. Feel privileged to have brought it back to life. It's gorgeous, crack free, and well fired. 6.25" x 8" $400 SOLD
More Black-on-White
#372 Mesa Verde Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: Yellow Jacket Ruin; Western State Museum Collection
Inside and out this bowl is a beauty. Stylized herringbone type pattern, inset in this classic Pueblo III bowl. 5" x 12"
SOLD ($700)
#374 Mesa Verde Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: Spruce Tree House, Smithsonian National Museum
I am yet to find anyone who is not mesmerized by this very large bowl's design. When replicating, I even elongated the one point of the triangle, just like the original. Why mess with perfection. 5.5" x 12.25"
SOLD ($750)
#375 Mesa Verde Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: Junction Ruin, Grand Gulch, Utah - Chicago Field House Museum
Found a sherd in SE Utah that I had to replicate (see bowl 336a). When searching deep museum archives, I came across this beauty sharing much of the same checkerboard pattern. Turns out both bowls had once existed only a few miles apart. First piece I have ever replicated from Grand Gulch, my favorite place on earth. 4.25" x 10.5"
SOLD ($500)
#382 Mesa Verde Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: Yellow Jacket Ruin, Western State Museum Collection
This bowl as well as #372 came from the Great Tower Complex. Notice the same use of the herringbone type pattern. Same artist? Fired to perfection. 4" x 9"
SOLD ($500)
#225 White Mesa Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
Always mesmerized by the stunning simplicity of this early style pottery. Plus this piece fired beautifully.
4" x 10"
Private Collection
#287 Pueblo II Bowl
Reference: On display at the Mesa Verde Park Museum
It was a tedious day painting these 38 ducks, simply because each one is so unique. I was determined to replicate them exactly (Not my job to tell the story but simply to pass it on)
And then I fell in love with them all. Hate to sell this one. It fired beautifully. Nice size with super blacks.
3.75" x 9.75"
SOLD
#288 McElmo "Knobby Knee" Bowl
Reference: Anasazi Heritage Center
Figures, both human and animal, give a quick glimpse into past thoughts of what was important, what was sacred and spiritual. This bowl was recovered at the Knobby Knee Stockade in Southwest Colorado. Absolutely a fine replication. 3" x 7.25"
Sold to the most deserving person, Moki John!
#290 Mesa Verde Bowl
Reference: Online photos, from the Mesa Verde area.
Such a treat when a large bowl turns out just like you want; a nice ring when thumped, clean whites and solid dark blacks. I am treating myself. This one's a keeper.
4.5" x 11"
SOLD
#336a McVerdian Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: A sherd in Southeast Utah
Designed this complete layout, staying true to the time period, from a two square inch sherd. Sometimes everything ties in perfectly. 4" x 9.5"
Keeping this one for myself!
#391 Corrugated Painted Bowl
Reference: Cortez Cultural Center
So nice. 33 rows of left thumb pinch then slipped and painted with a butterfly migration. At least that is what I see. The paint refused to penetrate, leaving a worn effect that I love. Wonder if I will ever be able to do it again? 4.25" x 9.5"
SOLD
#385 Mesa Verde Effigy Mug
Reference: Photo - Salt Lake Tribune photo. Provenience unknown
This little mug, possibly for a child, is so special with a four legged animal, probably a dog, standing atop the handle. 3" tall x 4.5" with handle
SOLD $275
#383 Mesa Verde Mug
Reference: Online photo
Even today when I look at this mug, I get lost in the pattern. I LOVE this mug. At first you think you have to grid it all out, but then it takes you and begins to paint itself. Well fired and beautiful.
3.75” tall x 4.5” wide with handle
SOLD ($385)
#379 Mesa Verde Mug
Reference: Online Photo
The slip held it's luster and the fire kissed it with a blush of gold on one side. This piece is reflective - representing the above and the below. The little mug feels good in your hand and wants to be held. 3” tall x 3.75"” wide with handle
$300
#234 Mesa Verde Mug
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
The most unique mug I have ever seen. Wish the provenience was known. White celestial forms, swirling in a canvas of black. The artist did not leave out a detail and neither did I, replicating all the tiny turns in each scroll. So close to keeping this one. 4” tall x 4.75” wide with handle
SOLD ($400)
#206 Mesa Verde Mug, PIII
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Blanding, Utah
Replication. Fascinating that the original artist started on one side of the handle with a grid of 132 squares and ended on the other side with only 49. It's possible that we share the trait of beginning a project with elaborated expectations. 3.75" x 5.75" with handle
SOLD ($400)
#216 Large Mesa Verde Mug
Reference: Photo in the Salt Lake Tribune, original piece from Four Corners area
Think of the time and dedication it took not only to lay out this design but to paint it as well. Luckily the firing gods were happy and cleaned up all the little tiny specks of white. Quite an accomplishment in an open air trench firing. 5.75" tall x 6" wide with handle
SOLD
#388 Gallup Black-on-White, Chaco Jar
Reference: Pueblo Bonito, Room 28, American Museum of Natural History
Of the 111 jars found in Room 28, this is one of the most mesmerizing. Photos from all sides made the replication accurate. I left the rim a little higher on one side and dropped the "flags" down on an angle in some places. This jar is so clean and so incredibly special. When you hold it you will slip back in time. 4.25" x 9.75"
SOLD ($600)
#387 Gallup Black-on-White, Chaco Jar
Reference: Pueblo Bonito, Room 28, American Museum of Natural History
I have dreamed about making all 111 jars from Room 28. A collection to stand back from and feel their presence. But as soon as I make one, it flies out of my hands to someone else's. Apparently others want to feel their presence as well. This one tells me about strength. Beautiful piece. Perfectly fired. 4" x 9"
SOLD $500
#292 Chaco Jar
Reference: Pueblo Bonito
This jar is fired to perfection. Beautiful fine line hatching fills the triangular design blocks.
4" x 10"
SOLD ($500)
#293 Chaco Jar
Reference: Pueblo Bonito
How the design migrates around the jar but still continues to interlock perfectly makes one realize the capability of the master artists of the ancient world. This jar is slightly grey and sadly developed a fine line crack about 1" long coming down from the rim during firing. It has been repaired and nearly invisible. A really pretty jar.
4.5" x 10.75"
SOLD
#337 Pueblo II Ladle
Reference: Bowl portion of authentic ladle
Mineral paint, more common in earlier periods, has its own set of challenges. You want it to apply evenly, you want it to stick to the slip and you want it to turn black in the trench kiln atmosphere. Trial and error and success. The handle's three perforations keep it from exploding during firing process. Very white slip, has shadows of the underlying clay showing in places. To me replication means letting the materials be wild and applied in a primitive fashion.
4.25" bowl width x 11.25" long
$250
#327 Mesa Verde Rattle Handle Ladle
Beads of clay rattle in this hollow handle which also has a loop of clay on the end. The handle's four perforations keep it from exploding during firing process. Classic banded Mesa Verde design. Ladles are tough to fire due to the small connection of clay between the bowl and handle. This one is perfect.
4.75" bowl width x 12.5" long
SOLD ($350)
#332 Ladder Handle Ladle
Reference: Sherd in Southeast Utah
Other than the portion of the one we found, only know of one other. Such a unique handle. Mineral for paint and white slip both harvested within walking distance of the sherd. Well fired and rings like a bell.
1.75" x 8"
$200
#335 Gourd Scoop
Reference: Early 1900's photo. No provenience
This form is rare overall but most commonly seen in the early Pueblo periods. My personal found mineral paint is loosely applied. Whites are stunning and opaque with slight shadows of the underlying clay. High fired. 2.25" x 7" wide
SOLD
#218 Pitcher with Black on White Geometric Design, 900-1300.
Reference: Brooklyn Museum, New York
Absolutely a beauty, both the original and the replication. Perfectly fired. The slip is unctuous and smooth. The blacks are strong on one side and start to "ghost" (get lighter from the extreme kiln heat) on the other. 8.5" tall x 7" diameter.
SOLD - ($500)
#256 Chaco Style Pitcher
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
Such creative design work. The lizard is fantastic BUT a corn maiden butterfly too! And like the mug below, one of my early experiments with reducing mineral paint to black. Still some things to learn from this one, but stay posted as it will become available at a later date. 5” x 4.5”
SOLD
#291 Mesa Verde Pitcher
Reference: Artist Inspired
Black-on-White! Enough said. How I dream they will all turn out. Exceptional long bowed handle going from the rim to the base versus the more common rim to lower neck. Well fired and beautiful.
5.75” tall x 5.5” wide with handle
SOLD
#184 Chaco Black-on-White Pitcher
The original was taken from Room 326, Pueblo Bonito, and appears in N. M. Judd's papers. A fantastic design that screams Chaco Canyon. Rings like a bell and truly Black-on-White. Undoubtably one of the best pieces I have ever made. 5.25" x "6.5" including handle.
SOLD ($400)
#104 McElmo Black-on-White Canteen
Replication: Edge of the Cedars, Blanding, Utah
Heavily oxidized on the top causing brilliant orange and warm tones. Structurally sound.
5.5" x 6"
Personal Collection
#222 Olla
This is not an exact replication as it is slightly smaller than the original but painted the same. It was found in the Aztec West Ruin by Earl Morris in the "refuse above room 138."
9.5" x 12" including handles
SOLD
#380 Wacky Eyed Bird Box - Pueblo II
Sometimes I give myself the liberty to just wing it. I have been around prehistoric design so long that often "something that just hasn't been found yet" or "something that simply should have been made" appears in my hands. Love this little guy. Fired beautifully with super smooth clean whites. 3" x 7.5"
$150
#377 Tusayan Bird Vessel
Reference: Papers of the Peabody Museum No.38, 7615-S, Room 303
The shape and painted design put this piece in a class of its own. Head form resembles a turkey. The stylized wings bring to mind the T-shape symbolism of the time.
3.5" x 4.5"
SOLD $275
#165 Red Mesa Black-on-White Bird Effigy
Reference: www.rarepottery.com
Birds, birds, birds - The ancient world is full of their images on rock and ceramic. This small effigy bird vessel is painted with ground mineral exactly like the original. Very detailed and quite unique. 3" x 4.5" x 2.5"
$75
#220 Mancos B/W Effigy Container
Reference: www.rarepottery.com
Birds, birds, birds - The ancient world is full of their images on rock and ceramic. Parrots, carried hundreds of miles from southern tropical areas, must have had a great importance. Incredibly smooth and well balanced replication. 5" x 5.5"
SOLD ($350)
#042 Black-on-White Bighorn Effigy
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Blanding, Utah
The actual piece was found by a hiker only a few years ago. It's a pitcher, being completely hollow inside. Notice the cloven hoof and the little upward curled tail. When I replicate, I try to get the piece as near to exact size as possible (challenging because both air drying and firing, shrink the piece) and paint it as they did. Notice that each side is slightly different, one having six "staircases", the other seven. Also the "staircases" always descend from upper left to lower right, on both sides. Easier to paint that way IF you are right handed. 2.75" x 6.75" x 8.75" Pueblo II
Personal Collection
Ancestral Puebloan Redwares
#351 Deadmans Black-on-Red Bowl, 900-1050 A.D.
Reference: Rarepottery.com
The two arcing lines, running through the center of the bowl, create an eye shaped negative space, iconic to this type. The "Z" motif dangles from the rim on opposing sides. Beautiful Red/Orange slip with a nice shine. 8.5" x 3.25"
SOLD ($285)
#352 Tusayan Black-on-Red Bowl, 1050-1200 A.D.
Reference: Online Auction
The asymmetrical saw tooth design, wanders it's way throughout the bowl's interior, possibly mimicing or predating Gallup or Chaco B/W. Question: Is your eye drawn to the positive or the negative space? Slip is from the Chinle formation with wild manganese paint. Beautiful color.
7.75" x 3.5"
SOLD ($285)
#354 Deadmans Black-on-Red Seed Jar, 900-1050 A.D.
Reference: Online auction
Finding "their" mineral paint, while hiking the backcountry of Utah, is fun but so experimental. Love the slight undertones of lavender in this paint. Spinning flags and a nearly pointed bottom make this piece perfectly balanced and unique. 7" x 3.25"
SOLD ($285)
#357 Bluff Black-on-Orange Bowl, 750-925 A.D.
Reference: Boulder Colorado University Museum
A creature, lizard or toad or maybe something else, reaches up and out, looking you right in the face. What is the message it wants to tell? The inside of bowl is slightly slipped, while the outside shows the color of the body clay in an unpolished state, just like the original. A tiny spot on the rim bumped against the sandstone in the kiln, producing a chip that has been repaired and made unnoticeable. 7.5" x 3.5"
SOLD
#366 - Deadman Black-on-Red Ladle Reference: Grand Canyon Museum, Arizona 900-1050 A.D.
The original consists of only the bowl portion. The handle had been broken off and ground smooth. Here also (see#351) the design layout is made up of the two bisecting lines, that are so common to this type. Many Deadman sherds in southeast Utah have a purple tinge to the paint. Never thought I would find the right mineral matrix! Looks beautiful on the Brushy Basin slip. There is a slight separation of the clay in the bowl where the handle was joined. A product of drying shrinkage in the making process. Has no effect on the strength and is a testament to a handmade wild clay piece. Nice large ladle.
5.25" x 13" x 2.5" SOLD ($350)
#367 Deadman Black-on-Red Ladle, 900-1050 A.D.
Reference: Edge of the Cedars Museum, Blanding, Utah
Another beautiful ladle from the period, same basic design just simpler with an extremely fine handle. Happy it made it through the fire. The paint is the same as #366 but the slip is from the Moenkopi formation, making it a bit brighter. Ladles are rare for the Deadman type. Lucky to have found two to replicate.
4.75" x 12.25" x 2" $275 SOLD
Courtesy of Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Blanding Utah
#368 Bluff Black-on-Orange Effigy Handle Pitcher Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Blanding, Utah
The only Redware jar of the period and area (that I have seen) that has an animal form handle, Just as exceptional is the ground disk shape turquoise eyes. Maybe it's a dog (similar to the Black-on-White jars found in Northeast Arizona) or maybe a bighorn. I did not have the exact measurements on the original. Mine is slightly larger, more squat and my black paint is a little warmer and translucent. But I feel privileged to have journeyed with the original artist for a bit. And yes the replicated eyes are turquoise, ground by me.
7.75" wide x 8.5" tall SOLD
#370 - Medicine Black-on-Red Ladle
Reference: Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The collection's information states that the original was found in "Montezuma Cty, Colo" but that is all. Sad that the provenience on so many pieces has been lost. Wish I knew the exact site. Simple bold lines, accent the eye shape in the bowl's interior. Handle is a flat slab of clay with a rounded end. 4.5" x 10"
$200 SOLD
#297 - Seed Jar
Seed jars held the most important things... like next year's planting seeds. The deep red Chinle formation slip shows areas of greenish-yellow on the bottom where oxygen was sparse. Common to see this in ancient pieces as well. 3.25" x 5.5"
SOLD
#314 Gourd Pitcher
Gourd inspired ladles and pitchers show up in late Basketmaker as well as early Pueblo periods. Usually not slipped, this one was my excitement to try out a new found clay. Burnished up super shiny. Love the profile on this piece.
5.5" x 4.25" with handle
$200
#315 Feather Box
Reference: Online Auction
Tucked in kiva wall niches, left with feathers inside, one has to wonder the value of these tiny round boxes. The auction claims this piece is from the Four Corners area but actual provenience is lost.
1.5" x 5.5"
SOLD
#322 Deadman Black-on-Red Ladle
Reference: Canyon of the Ancients Museum, Dolores CO
Only slipped in the interior. The deep red/orange sets the black mineral paint off stunningly. I intentionally left the handle and backside a bit gritty because that is how the original is as well.
1.5" x 5.5"
SOLD ($150)
#317 Abajo Red-on-Orange Bowl
Reference: Canyon of the Ancients Museum
The dark red Corn Maiden, complete with hair whorls and long lizard like legs, completely fills the bottom of this bowl. Finding this exact body clay was a challenge. Love the direct simpleness of these early redwares.
3" x 7"
SOLD
#323 Abajo Red-on-Orange gourd pitcher
Reference: Alkali Ridge, J.O. Brew excavations, Site 13
Piece is not slipped and has many haphazardly applied zig zags of hematite. The natural smear of the bright red dust, brings vibrancy to the entire piece.
4" x 5.75"
SOLD
Greywares
#349 Corrugated Jar
Jar has 66 rows of left thumb "Karrish" pinch. The fingerprint impressions left on ancient sherds, was the clue I needed to master this pinch. Perpendicular to the rim with just the slightest hook one way... but not the other. Love this one, especially it's Mesa Verde egg shape.
11" tall x 10" wide
SOLD ($550)
#350 Corrugated Jar
Jar has 74 rows of left thumb "Karrish" pinch. This jar is testament to perseverance and endless observation to authentic sherds and pots. Notice the three sections of plain rows. A decorative touch added to the ancient world. Well fired with lovely fire clouds. Feeling Blessed
11" tall x 10.5" wide
SOLD ($600)
#345 Corrugated Mug
A little rustic mug with iron influenced gold tones and carbon clouds. The fire sure signed the bottom of this one. Makes the clockwise spin of the spiral even more pronounced. Mug has 23 rows of right thumb pinch.
3.5" tall x 5.25" wide with handle
$100
#333 Corrugated Pitcher/Mug
This piece has 24 rows of left thumb "High Wave" pinch, producing a spiral effect that runs up to the rim. This Southeast Utah clay has just the right amount of natural grit for corrugation.
4.5" tall x 5.5" wide with handle.
$150 SOLD
#348 Corrugated Jar
Wow - smoke clouds!! Has 49 rows of left thumb "Domino" pinch. The pinch is named for a ruin in Upper Grand Gulch and a spiritual experience I had there. "Domino" gets me through when clay pinches go awry. This jar developed a small fine line crack in the base during the firing, which has been filled and tinted. Look closely, you MIGHT be able to find it.
8.5" tall x 7.5" wide
SOLD ($300)
#334 Effigy Handle Corrugated Mug
This mug with an animal perched on the side, peaking over the rim (hmmm... what animal is it?) was found near the Arizona/Utah line. Subtle warms and cool tones of the fired clay, lets the effigy have the spotlight. Has 22 rows of "High Wave" pinch.
4" tall x 5" wide with handle
Sold ($150)
#160 Lino Grey Double Pitcher, PI 550 A.D.
The actual piece popped up on Ebay. Such a one of a kind vessel. I replicated it to the inch and curve. In my interpretation, the two vessels onbecome one in the bottom area. Now if we only new what it might have been used for. 3" x 5"
Personal Collection
Plains Pottery
#244 Plains Woodland Jar
Inspiration: Early Ceramic Period sherds from Eastern Colorado
Conical bottom with slight incurving rim. Right leaning cord impression. Fired with willow, cottonwood bark and chips. No cracks! Man the fire gods painted up some magic on this one!
10" x 13"
SOLD
#240 Plains Woodland Jar
Inspiration: Early Ceramic Period sherds from Eastern Colorado
Conical bottom with straight walls. Cord impressed.
9" x 13.5"
SOLD - On display, along with authentic artifacts from the Magic Mountain Site, at the Golden History Museum, Golden, Colorado
#242 Transitional Period Cooking Jar
Between the Early and Middle Ceramic Period on the Plains, approximately 1000 A.D., a somewhat transitional pot appears with a much smaller, receding conical bottom and a more pronounced incurving rim. Left leaning cord impression. Beautiful coloration.
8.25" x 8.75"
SOLD
# 200 Early Ceramic Plains Woodland
This piece, made completely authentically on the Plains of Eastern Colorado, was featured in my Youtube video (see link on the "Home" page of this website.) Fired to the right temperature, in the right atmosphere, producing the right color and no cracks!!! The best of my Plains Woodland jars so far.
10" x 15"
Personal Collection
#146 Classic Plains Woodland Jar
Inspiration: Early Ceramic Period sherds as well as the 12" section of a conical bottom in the Ft. Morgan Museum collections. Conical bottom, straight walls and cord impressed. This is a BIG BIG pot which matches the dimensions of the original. Over a thousand years ago this would have existed on the prairie. Amazing. The firing gods painted this one real pretty as well.
12.5" x 19.5"
SOLD - On display at the Ft. Morgan Museum, Ft. Morgan , Colorado
#051 Late Transitional Plains Woodland Inspired.
Inspiration: Transitional pots between Plains Woodland and Upper Republican period,
1100 A.D. Heavy bodied cooking pot with somewhat conical rounded bottom. Cord impressed. 10" x 11"
SOLD
#045 Upper Republican Phase Pot
Inspiration: Carlson Chimney Canyon vessel, Middle Ceramic Period, Early Plains Village tradition. 900-1450 A.D. Cord impressed. Beautiful smoke clouds. Fired with chips and grass. No signature. 7.5" x 8"
SOLD
#105 Upper Republican Cooking Pot
Replication: Donovan-Hobbs-Lewis Canyon vessel, Sterling, CO., Middle Ceramic Period, 990-1260 A.D. Cord impressed, rounded bottom, collard rim with four horizontal incised line designs. Oxidized with smoke clouds. Nice pot representing a slightly more sedentary plains people. 7.5" x 8.5"
SOLD
#082 Early Ceramic, Plains Woodland Vessel
Inspired by multitudes of sherds and the base portion of a similar vessel at the Ft.Morgan Museum, CO. Strong conical bottom, straight walls, and no shoulders. Cord impressed and low fired in a limited oxidation atmosphere. As far as I know, there are only "pieces" of this particular type of vessel from the Plains. The ratio of height to width was determined using existing reference jars from the same culture/time period, found in Western Nebraska and Kansas, determining the overall size.
This substantially large jar was possibly used for cooking the marrow from the long bones of Bison as well as rendering visceral fat. The pointed bottom helps the pot stand upright when pressed into a bed of coals, cord impressions keep the outside surface of the pot cooler to touch and possibly help the clay walls to withstand the temperature variations of open fire cooking. All of which is the artist's opinion. :)
THIS IS THE POT THAT STARTED IT ALL - THE GRAND DADDY OF EVERYTHING ELSE YOU SEE ON THIS SITE.
11.5" x 17.5" - Personal Collection