Spiritual expressions through the generations by Lonnie Vigil

Artist list

Lonnie Vigil

As a self-taught artist, Vigil continuously prays to the Clay Mother for direction. Through spiritual preservation and the guidance of his ancestors, his great-grandmother and great aunts who were also potters, Vigil channels this connection into his work. Today, the artist is credited with single-handedly reviving unpainted, micaceous pottery, and establishing it as a contemporary art form.

“There is a collaboration between the clay and myself – the clay tells me what direction to take… And I follow the techniques of my ancestors.”

Vigil approaches his work as a collaborative process between himself and the clay. Through a careful process of moulding and sculpting its earthen coils, the material, Vigil contends, tells him what she wants to become. The Clay Mother is ever involved, directing the work, and procuring the expression. Through years of attained knowledge, the artist sculpts the work for correct thickness, and ardently smoothens its surface for a successful firing. An artful tradition instinctively passed down to him through the generations, it is with patient love and attention that the piece is complete.

Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 3 pm (MST) by appointment only.
Friday: 1-5 pm (MST).
Saturday: 11am - 5pm (MST).