RODNEY JOHN POTTERY
Exquisite Hand Etched Southwest Pottery
Rodney John
Rodney John is a Navajo (Diné) potter, residing on the Navajo reservation in Aneth, Utah. His clan is Nahoobaanii (Grey Streaked Ends People) and Kinlichii’nii (The Redhouse People). Rodney has been making pottery for over 30 years, since he was in high school, initially to feed and clothe himself as well as his younger siblings.
When I am ready to create a piece, every part of me goes into that piece. My family, my heart and soul, my sleepless nights, my pain, my blood, sweat and tears create this piece of art that is an image of me and how I live as a Diné (Navajo).
Making pottery takes me away from the realm of life. I am in my own world, I am at peace when I am carving into that clay, the way it crumbles, the way it feels and smells. Once that needle cuts into that clay I am one with it and everything that I am and have become is put into that one piece of pottery.
Hand Etching
Rodney works in a style known as hand etching or “sgraffito.” The process involves applying layers of color over the clay once the pot is formed, then using extremely fine tools to etch down through the layers to precisely the color desired for each pattern in the design. From there the pot is given a final firing before going to its new home. Given the delicate intricacy of Rodney’s style, many hours are required just to complete a single pot in even the smallest size, and pieces may range up to 15 inches or more in height.
WHERE TO BUY
Telluride, CO
Durango, CO
Cortez, CO
Mancos, CO
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