Inspired by Santa Clara Pueblo pottery, these vessels are coil built, then carved. Once dry they are sanded with several grades of sandpaper, ending with 400 grit for a very smooth surface. They are then “painted” with two coats of terra sigillata (a solution of very fine clay particles in water that is the consistency of skim milk). They are fired once and emerge from the kiln with a pearly white finish. The pots are place in metal cans and shredded newspaper is added. As the kiln heats up during this second firing, the paper ignites and the smoke from the fire bonds to the surface of the pots (similar to the process of rake), giving them their satiny black color.
