Wallace Nez, Jr. - Native American Pottery

Process Wallace takes a 6 hour trip to Northern Arizona , to gather his clay on the reservation. He then soaks his clay and screens the soil to remove the unwanted debris. The clay then undergoes highly individualized cleaning processes which involves soaking, screening, drying, and repeated screening through smaller screens. Most clays require a temper,the addition of volcanic ash, to prevent cracks during drying & firing. Once prepared, then clay is placed in a bucket with a lid where it remains until Wallace is ready to build.

1. Wallace starts with a hand rolled coil to build abase into a starter bowl. Gourds are use to smooth & scrap the clay.


2. He starts building up by applying a series of hand rolled coils by pressing, smoothing, and scraping to feel for tiny air pockets to avoid future cracking.


3. The process is continued until the rough form is finished. Keeping the walls even is an important process.


4. After smoothing the final form, Wallace let's it dry for days before any type of sanding can occur. After sanding, the bowl is smoothed with small amounts of water applied to it by sponge to remove all scratches. Smoothed stones are then use to polish on the surface to give a high gloss finish.


5. Wallace then uses three techniques to create a timeless work of art. The techniques are carving, etching & painting. He also uses three forms of natural paints: clay, vegetal, and mineral. Natural paints offer Wallace a limited amount of colors to work with. So he uses commercial ceramic paints also. After days of carving, painting, and etching the finish work is then fired in an electric kiln. Wallace will fire his pieces' outdoor on special request only.


Finished product! (click picture to see enlarged view)

© Wallace Nez, Jr., 2001-2010, All rights reserved. Last Update: January 6, 2010

Process