March 2023: Bev Cordova

“Exploring the origins of pottery making led me to the earliest work from China, Africa, Greece, and the Americas. I was humbled and inspired by the skills of these early artists. Thirty years ago my own work began to closely follow the techniques and shapes of ancient potters. The technique I find most challenging, and satisfying is coil building, a process often used to build the earliest pots. Long ropes of clay are layered to build the body of a vessel. Here I found a strong connection between myself and the clay. Often, I will carve the smooth burnished surfaces with symbols, animals or human figures. To my surprise I don't feel finished with this body of work, even after 30 years. Seems that only now I'm learning how the work has changed me, how it brings me peace and clarity”.