William Lucius on fri 20 jul 01
Let me interject an archaeological perspective into this thread. My
interpretation is that the mica comes from schist, which makes up most of
the mountain where the Pueblo potters dig their clay. I would imagine that
the clay comes from something else, since I cannot imagine schist breaking
down into clay. The point is that schist is a relatively common and easily
eroded metamorphic rock that often "contaminates" clay. If you wish to dig
native micaceous clay without being politically incorrect, just look for the
nearest schist outcrop and follow the drainage pattern downhill until you
find it mixed in with the clay. Shoshonean utility ware, which was made
somewhere around the southern Nevada region, is a low fire yellow clay
naturally "tempered" with copious quantities of mica. Clays from the Otay
River valley of very southern California exhibit much the same
characteristics (unfortunately urban sprawl has obliterated those once
plentiful clays).
Which brings me to the "stuck artist" thread. My advice for those suffering
from that condition is to get into your vehicle with a couple of gunny
sacks, a shovel, a sleeping bag and perhaps a roadside geology book and look
for a clay bed or two. When you come back you will undoubtedly be inspired
and ready to explore clay again. I find that the collection and preparation
of native clays provides a necessary balance to the stresses of being a
creative clay artist. And having your hands in the clay from start to end
makes everything you do precious (another thread).
William A. Lucius
Institute for Archaeological Ceramic Research
845 Hartford Drive
Boulder, CO 80305
ilwwal@hotmail.com
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