At True Nature Art, my mission is to "Encourage healing through nature-inspired creativity.” As a self-taught artist, I am passionate about creating works that speak on different levels. I believe in nurturing the muses; often encouraging and allowing my heart and senses to take the lead on my creativity.
Drawing from the rich tapestry of history and the creative arts, I find endless inspiration in nature's breathtaking landscapes. Using acrylics, oils, ceramics, pastels, and charcoal, I blend hues and textures that not only capture but also celebrate the essence of my subject. Each piece I craft is a heartfelt expression of my deep-seated love for the outdoors and a unique expression of art, and emotion.
Art has always been a fundamental part of human expression, evolving from early cave paintings to intricate pottery and beyond.
My own artistic journey began with a curiosity that has shaped much of my life. It wasn't until I moved from Colorado to Arizona that my perspective on art shifted. Exploring the Four Corners area for the first time, where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, I was struck by the dramatic landscapes—rusty red rocks, towering formations, and the expansive views of Monument Valley. The desert's extremes of beauty and solitude captivated me, its colors shifting mysteriously in the changing light.
In this unique setting, I discovered horsehair ceramics, a traditional art where horsehair is applied to hot pottery, creating tantalizing, smoke-blackened streaks and markings. Upon a closer look, each vase and pot, revealed intricate patterns, wisps of carbon etched against the clay's surface, creating a dance of shadows and light. I was captivated.
Creating horsehair pottery, is a traditional technique that involves the delicate art of applying horsehair to red-hot pottery. The hair burns immediately and leaves unique, spiritual marks that cannot be replicated. Each strand tells a different story. It is a delicate dance that weaves together fire, heat, and smoke, creating a mysterious work of art.
This technique has deep roots in Native American pottery traditions, particularly among the Pueblo tribes like the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and Taos. For these people, pottery-making isn't just a craft but a sacred practice intertwined with spiritual beliefs. Patterns of the burnt Horsehair are seen as conduits of energy and spirit, with each strand leaving behind intricate patterns believed to carry messages from ancestors or spirits.
Creating these pieces has become deeply fulfilling for me, bridging tradition, creativity, and spirituality. Each piece I make is more than just a physical object—it's a vessel carrying stories and symbolism, connecting me to something greater than myself. Embracing horsehair ceramics allows me to celebrate the aesthetic beauty and spiritual richness that define this ancient art form.
Even though my ancestry isn't Native American, I deeply feel that each piece I create connects me to a profound, mysterious force. It's as if through this ancient art, I'm receiving messages from my own ancestors, whispering across time and space.
Each piece I craft stands as a testament to the enduring skill, boundless creativity, and profound spiritual depth that have defined horsehair ceramics through centuries of cultural evolution. In embracing this art form, I honor not only its breathtaking aesthetic beauty but also the rich tapestry of tradition and spirituality that imbue every stroke and pattern.
I hope you find a piece that whispers directly to your soul!
Not local? No problem! Please use the form, below, to contact me prior to purchase. Each piece will need to be individually quoted with a carrier, and insured. Horsehair is extremely fragile.