My first venture into ceramics, this particular vase has now won over 20 Blue Ribbons in competition. Pottery of this type was used in wedding ceremonies. Authentic pieces would NOT be highly glazed, such as I have done, because any gloss would have been achieved by rubbing the underglaze with a leaf or some similar item which would then have a glossier appearance when fired. Most native-crafted pottery has a matte, or dull, finish.

TheTURTLE is a sign for GOOD LUCK and I have used it on many of my pieces, especially on those that are made for gifts. It was my good fortune to receive the FREDDIE (highest award in hobby ceramics) for this vase in competition in Chicago. I no longer compete as a hobbyist since I have sold many of my pieces. The 'turquoise' used on the pottery is a mixture of glazes and chemicals that is one of my patents, and the inlay effect is created with a Scrafitto Tool used for 'outlining' in greenware (unfired clay).

Various ornaments were integrated into the design of this vase, as you can see by the silver concho on the side to which is attached leather thongs, beads and feathers. The outside surface of this vase was rubbed with a cloth to achieve any sheen to the surface. The THUNDERBIRD design is very common in Southwestern pottery. This vase is approx. 12 in. high by 12in. in diameter.

This pitcher is similar to the vase pictured above but was decorated using textured glazes. The texture gives the appearance of sand, symbolic of the EARTH. The use of certain glazes and symbols were not authentic procedures for Native American pieces, and were NOT intended to imply authenticity. The pottery shown is merely representational of the style, but individualized by the artist's style. Metallic glazes using real platinum were fired into the pot instead of actual silver metal.

This vase is the most intricate piece and took the most time to complete. The upper area is carved to represent inlaid nuggets of turquoise, and the side to represent various shades of inlaid coral. The remaining surface is a textured glaze. Most of the vases produced are the result of aproximately 40 hours of accumulative work through all of the stages to completion. This is a deciding factor in the decision to produce one-of-a-kind pieces. The challenge is in the initial design and working it to each vase or sculpture. Size is approximately 8 in. high and 12 in. in diameter.

The eagle dancer represents the most revered of spirits. If a dancer drops an eagle feather while dancing...the dance is stopped and dancers who have fought in battle, nowaday meaning overseas in the military, come together around the fallen feather and say prayers. The feather is considered to represent and have the spirit of a fallen warrior.

The wolf represents all those qualities that the warrior hopes to possess. Strength, patience, loyalty.

Identical vases done in different hues of textured glazes. Vases are approx. 6 in. in height. The bear is 3 in.

While I am not of Native American birth in THIS incarnation, I do
believe we are all influenced greatly by the spirits of those
who walked freely and with great dignity before we tried to
reshape their culture, and beyond that, their minds and souls.

BACKGROUND MUSIC

Batman Wall Mural

DISCLAIMER
In the interest of good "netiquette," I have made a sincere effort
to use only those images which are freely available online, or
those which I have been given permission to use. If you feel that
I have infringed on a copyright, or have otherwise used an image
improperly, please email me, and I will correct the situation.