The pit fire process intrigues me as a collaborative effort between man and nature. Once the shaping of the stoneware clay on the pottery wheel is complete, the fire works its musicality, "painting" the surface of my vases with swirls of color. I like the fact that one has to trust the fires whim in this regard. Hopefully the viewer senses the same serenity and joy I feel when creating these pieces.
Some people believe that Mother Earth gave birth to the first animals of the earth. She left them on the land in hope that they would flourish and multiply. Each animal was blessed and given an unique appearance upon its arrival to earth. Soon after the Appaloosa horse first walked the grounds of its new home, beautiful black spots appeared on its white hide. No other animal contained such an unique appearance.
Before each firing of the pots, a prayer is said to thank Mother Earth for the use of her land and resources. After the firing, each pot is marked with a shiny, black spot somewhere on its surface--a blessing of good luck. Because of this, Appaloosa Pots make special gifts and they last a lifetime.
As a birthday gift, it brings luck to the person turning a new age. For a couple getting married or celebrating an anniversary, it symbolizes the power and bond that they share together. As a housewarming gift, it spreads its colors to make the house feel like home. Whatever the occasion may be, the magic within the Appaloosa Pot can brighten a dull living room or empty hallway. If you feel happy, turn the pot to the more colorful side, and if you feel powerful or strong, have the black spot facing the front. No matter how you feel, each pot can adapt to the emotion you're feeling because there is much variation in the appearance of each pot.
So go ahead and search this site for an Appaloosa Pot that will fit your personality or lift up someone else's spirits--we all need that every now and then!
