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Bones
possess a unique, almost musical quality, a kind of instinctive
rhythm which intrigues her.
C.L. Ramsdell’s pots remember the kiss of smoke when horsehairs sizzle
and curl on the white hot surface during the firing process. “I quickly
hold the hair where I want the design. This firing time, roughly a minute,
is intensely hot; yet it must be done without protective gloves.”
When the piece has cooled, Ramsdell scrubs off excess carbon, then applies
wax to protect its surface. The result is a soft glowing organic patina which
looks more like wood or marble than clay.
Ramsdell's dramatic monochromatic horsehair pots are a modern interpretation
of the Apache tradition honoring a fallen war horse. The hair of the tail or
mane is incorporated into the vessel, so the spirit of the horse is always
present.
The buffalo hair is collected from branches and various rubs used by wild buffalo
in the Badlands of South Dakota. The horse hair is donated by local ranch and
rodeo horses. |
