I make contemporary and traditional pottery. I gather the clay and sand in the hills near the Pueblo. The clay and sand are cleaned to remove any impurities like rocks and roots. Once cleaned they are mixed together in the correct proportions. I then make the pots and figurines using the coil method. When I make melon pots, I use an ice pick to mark and form the lines that will makeup the ribs while the pot is damp. Once my pots are dry, I use sandpaper to make them smooth and also to form the final shape. When they are ready to be polished, I apply the color slip desired, usually white or red, then polish them with my stones. I make some pots and vases that have an abstract sgraffito design etched into them. They are made using the same traditional methods. They are usually polished red and then have the design carved into them. I fire outside traditionally using juniper wood.
