Tom's pots are made of natural micaceous clay, a special type of clay, found only in particular places
around the world, including certain sites in northern New Mexico. Its high mica content not only gives
each piece its distinctive sparkle, but also forms an exceptionally strong and durable vessel, something
known to the Apache and Pueblo Indians of the upper Rio Grande river valley for centuries.
Each piece starts off as hand-rolled coils of clay which are then pressed together, sealed, shaped, and
allowed to dry. When it's dry, it's scraped and sanded until smooth, then a slip of clay containing even
more mica is applied as a polish and burnished with a stone. It's then ready for the fire. The firing is
done in the tradition way in an open fire pit. It is here that the other "artist", the flames, create the
distinctive black and silver fire clouds that make each piece unique.
Through variation and movement, the shapes you see express Tom's interpretation of the simple
elegance of the traditional forms found throughout the Southwest.
Tom was first drawn to micaceous pottery when the one who would become his teacher/mentor offered
him a taste of a stew he had cooked in one of his pots. And cooking in them is still his favorite thing to
do with them!
Tom lives, works, and finds inspiration in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
