The Rocket Kiln Project
I am researching and developing a smokeless, stealthy wood-fired kiln using repurposed materials that includes items such as an old electric kiln, 50-75 firebricks and a metal chimney. The small amount of fuel needed burns thoroughly in a specially designed chamber, causing a very fast, clean firing, though it is possible to cause reduction. More information on this and other smokeless kilns forthcoming, for now please see the “Wood Fired Rocket Kiln Project” Facebook Group for plans and discussion. Come see demonstration kilns set up in the Projects Space at NCECA 2024 at the conference center in Richmond VA!
Clay Cohorts is now Cohorts.Art!
This online mentorship program offers teaching and resources for all-level ceramists on their unique journeys. I am proud and honored to work alongside such pottery luminaries as founder Simon Levin, Liz Lurie, Linda Christianson, Birdie Boone, Sam Harvey, Kenyon Hansen and Mary Barringer! The program runs from Jan-Dec each calendar year. The program features one-on-one mentorship meetings, group events and amazing guest presentations! The info and camaraderie are great, and the pots get more informed. Find all the details here: https://cohorts.art/
Pottery of Mexico DVDs
My parents loved visiting Mexico and brought back folk art treasures that were colorful and whimsical. Many of them were utilitarian pieces made for local indigenous use that got distributed along the Texas border. As I became interested in learning more about the context and different processes involved, I was unable to find films documenting Mexican kitchen pottery or village sculptural work. I traveled with an expert filmmaker to answer these questions. Our films are intended for the potter, classroom and art connoisseur. Special thanks to Troy Lanier, director and film editor extraordinaire.
Pottery of Mexico Vol I: Pineapples of Patamban and San Jose de Gracia
40 min. Origins and making of the extraordinary pineapple pottery in several of the many craft villages in the state of Michoacan Mexico. 2008
Pottery of Mexico Vol II: Trees of Life: Izucar de Matamoros, Acatlan, and Metepec
43 min Covers the history and making of the colorful Mexican trees of life sculptures in three villages. This one screened at a film festival in Montpellier France. 2011
Pottery of Mexico Vol III: The Fantastical Pottery of Ocumicho
13 min. This DVD tells the story of an isolated village in rural the state of Michoacan that has a tradition of toy clay whistles for the local area. A major stylistic change occurred when one individual began making larger and more fantastical figurines, which became popular all over Mexico. Other artisans now more elaborate clay sculptures featuring religious stories and tales of their daily life. 2013
House Numbers
When I made these for my own house, I never realized how popular they would be. Find them at:
Deep Eddy Mural Project
My friend and mosaic partner Wanda Montemayor is a force of nature, bringing art to people and connecting people through art. First an art teacher and later a school counselor in the Austin public school district, she leaves no hallway undecorated and every student and community member takes part in her grand visions. We were given the opportunity to decorate very large ramp at a historic pool named Deep Eddy. The colorful history of this first outdoor pool in Texas made up the majority of our design, and we brought in teachers, hundreds of students, swimmers, and many community organizations to learn about and be a part of our 1200 square foot beautiful public art mural.