I've been in San Fe for six weeks and am very grateful to be here on the top of Turtle Island. As one of my ceramic colleagues said, "Santa Fe suits you." I think she is right!
Because of the low architectural landscape and its mimetics with nature, we are embraced and watched by father Turey, the sky, everywhere we turn, so much sky over ourselves, so much vastness and space to breath and be.
During this time, I have learned about the spirituality surrounding the clay, indigenous pottery techniques from the southwest, and the unique New Mexico clay used for cooking pots, a whole Cuento. I have heard stories about legendary potters who have passed and met elders and young people carrying on the ceremonial and functional legacy of the ancient Pueblo people, the Anasazi, the actual Pueblo, and Apache Jicarilla.
I have met a community of potters and new friends who bring a lot of zest to life with their passion for the ancestral knowledge of modeling clay, another gift from mother earth. I am happy.
Today I am sharing this video of an adventure with my friend Maria to get firewood for our first clay firing. I have included the translation, as the video is in Spanish. You can find it in the description section below the video.
I sincerely hope you like it and feel joy.
Many blessings,
Akutu Irka
