Being baptized in liquid Earth and vitrified in the fire of creativity, we come to know that we are all capable of being vessels of beauty and magic, each a unique identity.
Yolanda Rawlings, Micaceous Clay Potter
Micaceous clay is a unique and naturally occurring clay found in Northern New Mexico. Years of experience is required to find the specific clay deposits, and rigorous labor to render the clay that is used in making these vessels. Please note no additional material (sand or grog) are added to Micaceous clay I use for my vessels.
Micaceous clay has great beauty and remarkable strength and has provided the Sangre de Cristo communities of Northern New Mexico (Jicarilla Apache, Pueblo, Hispanic and Anglo) with flameproof ware for more than 700 years.
I had the great privilege of learning the tradition and craft of Micaceous clay pottery making from my teacher, mentor and friend, Master potter Felipe Ortega. Felipe is widely credited with reviving the craft of Micaceous clay cookware in New Mexico. He taught me and now I am carrying on his legacy of creating Micaceous clay cooking vessels and sharing the building of these vessels with all that respect the traditions of this craft.
Micaceous clay vessels are birthed from the philosophy of gratitude and prayer to Clay Mother for allowing us to dig from her belly the clay. When I build a vessel, it is a co-creation with Clay Mother that her pottery children come into existence. It is an awesome responsibility to undertake.
Each Micaceous clay vessel is created in the traditional and authentic ways using only hand-harvested, organic micaceous clay . It is necessary to give gratitude with each step of the process and to apply all of the rituals and reverence to Clay Mother, as I was taught. This is the righteous thing to do.
The building methods of coiling and scraping are employed to structure each vessel. Scraping occurs during the leather hard stage, and water scraping after the vessel is dry. Three stages of sanding, initially with sandstone, and multiple layers of the finishing coat, before polishing with a smooth stone. The firing will emblazon each micaceous clay vessel with their own individual markings when the vessels interacts with the firing fuel.
Very few potters who sell their vessels are actually using organic hand harvested Micaceous clay. Savvy chefs and buyers have come to realize that Micaceous clay vessels are superior to pots made with commercial clays. Many potters, unfortunately, use inferior commercially manufactured micaceous clay, that tends to fail over time by retaining far too much liquid, and thus acquires a stale aroma with continued use. My vessels will not do that, and, with proper care, my Micaceous clay vessel will serve for many years.
I have long taught the craft of Micaceous Clay Pottery at my local community college, and am represented by two galleries in New Mexico. Have been feature in publications. I am also sought out and available for consultation.
Thank you for your interest in Micaceous clay pottery.
“Cooking and using these Micaceous clay vessels is a true connection to the Land of Enchantment. Earth, Wind, Water and Fire intersect in the making of the vessels.”
