How To Make An Owl Effigy Pot Start to Finish

In which I replicate the owl effigy pot and ponder just who were the ancient Salado potters?
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[@maxwellwhippet]

A lack of participation does not mean a lack of interest. I love watching your videos

[@AncientPottery]

I am figuring that out. Thanks

[@willorocks]

It turned out beautiful Andy!!! Wow! That's one cool owl! All your pots at the end lined up look amazing for the challenge! Glad to hear you will do another season!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks Will.

[@quisnessness]

While I'm not interested in taking up pottery myself, I particularly enjoy watching artisans who keep historical arts alive. Methods which were the results of generations and generations of people refining their craft shouldn't be lost because of colonization and industrialization.

[@AncientPottery]

Yes, thank you

[@airstreamwanderings3683]

I'm regularly impressed with your depth of knowledge and ability to make make it interesting. Looking forward to the next season.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks Wes.

[@catherinepoloynis]

An amazing accomplishment, in my opinion! Very beautiful, all of them, and so interesting. I didn't realize a pot could fired in that short amount of time. Thank you so much.

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@OriginalLacytoo]

Andy watching you over the past few months, I’ve become so impressed with your dedication to replicating the ancient SW pottery. Your skill with the clay and paints, and your knowledge of the region, keep my interest even though I’m not wanting to replicate the primitive cultures. I just love making items from wild clay the way it’s been done for centuries around the world. Trying to successfully fire my work in my backyard with the wood I’ve gathered gives me joy and your videos have helped and inspired me to continue trying. Please don’t be discouraged that some of your fans don’t have the same ambition as you to be replicators. Your instruction is just as appreciated if I’m just making a vase for myself. Thanks for your work and please don’t stop.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks, I am glad you and others are enjoying my videos. And I really don't care if people want to make pottery like me, I am really just happy to know that they are enjoying watching my videos about it.

[@lisah336]

I'm glad you're continuing the challenge next season. Viewer feedback was spot on regarding participation.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@petrapetrakoliou8979]

That Cayenta pot's white outline of red design really reminds me of some Middle European Neolithic cultures like the Dimini culture in Greece or even the Cucuteni culture in Ukraine/Moldavia. These pots you made are wonderfull. Your mastering of colours and clays may be intimidating for many, but all the more inspiring. I lately made a reducing atmosphere firing where I put a lot of grass on the fire just before covering it up - if you do it watch out for the great deflagration it makes - but then when I came up to dig it out more than 24 hours after, wood was actually still burning inside and I made unwillingly a charcoal fire and every pot was extremely hot, as if they were still being fired. The pots came out all black - those that I made on purpose to break them show that all the inside of the sherds' walls have also been reduced to black/grey (I don't paint the pots I make in Greece). So maybe there is something in puting hay or grass on the fire before smothering it, but watch really out for the flames if you try that out and use perhaps cover sherds which I didn't or the paint will be all covered in black.

[@AncientPottery]

I want to try that but I need to wait until a different time of the year when green vegetation is available. Thanks for the information.

[@marythompson9952]

I have only been watching your channel for 6 months or so, but you inspired me to try building something from wild clay and firing it in my back yard. It was not a great result but it was so much fun! I will keep trying! Originally I am from Arizona, so I love the history and cultural information you provide. I have no desire to do replication pottery, but I love the concept of making something from nothing. Thank you so much for your outstanding channel!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks you. I am so glad that you, and people like you are enjoying my content. More to come.

[@markgibsons_SWpottery]

Your pottery challenge was too challenging for me due to circumstances, so don't be surprised when we double back and do the challenge later anyhow! Thanks for the great content, I did not know the owl was that large,... turned out great!!!

[@mystictree_potterings]

This. I hope to make at least some of these but it may take be 10 years before they are all done!

[@AncientPottery]

It's funny how many people have said that they were surprised the owl was so big. I merely guessed at the size, I may have been way off. Maybe I will email the folks at the Arizona Museum of Natural History and see if I can get the dimensions of the original.

[@AncientPottery]

Slow and steady wins the race.

[@estherclawson6876]

I enjoy watching these. Thanks for uploading some peaceful, pleasant creative things for us. It makes our little worlds better places to live.

[@AncientPottery]

My pleasure 😊

[@Gurukittyart]

I’m so excited 🎉 for next season

[@andrewsackville-west1609]

Wow, just a lovely pot. And the line-up of the whole challenge, just fantastic! Really lovely work, and you're right to be proud. Thank you for sticking to this. Certainly worth it for this armchair potter 😂

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks so much 😊

[@mmerriman4995]

A great season, thank you. Your content, editing and presentation are all very, very good. Interesting, beautiful and informative on so many levels. Don't change a thing, Andy. It was very interesting to see your approach to creating a spiral - more spacial place than literal. The advantage of a practiced eye & hand. I'll be trying your technique. At our community school we put out a studio -wide challenge to clay students and studio members each winter .... with mixed results. When I follow through with creating a gallery show of their finished work, participation is high. Maybe the opportunity to be in an end of season slideshow on KZbin would be a nice lure for your photo submissions...? Thanks for deepening my connection to the potters & peoples before us. Vermont potter.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks for the input. I did include the challenge submissions in a recent video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnbTdHSfqZyLiLs

[@mystictree_potterings]

I think this one is my favourite of season 4; it turned out so well. It's bigger than I was expecting I think. If you are near the museum that holds the original again, maybe they'd let you take a photo of them both together - I'm not sure how friendly the museum is! I am hoping to make an incarnation of it this coming week. Anyway, roll on season 5. I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll be making this time. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, yes, many have said it was bigger than they expected. The museum that holds this pot is a few hours away from me, but I might reach out to them this week and see if they can give me the dimensions.

[@dianespears6057]

Count me as a person who enjoys watching you make pots and learning from all your work and study.

[@walterpruitt6589]

Excellent video Andy, it was a huge honor to see this pot in person. Glad you and the pot made it back to your home safely. And to get better at pottery, I accept the challenge for next season to tag along.

[@AncientPottery]

I expect to see 7 fine pots from you for next season's challenge Walter. And now that you have taken my workshop I expect only the best from you. (kidding)

[@walterpruitt6589]

You will see 7 pots, I will try my best at them haha but I gladly accept the challenge. I look forward to seeing what pots you pick for this season.

[@papmasterOST]

Good Morning Andy ❤️

[@AncientPottery]

Morning!

[@Gurukittyart]

I love owls So gorgeous ❤❤❤ I want to attempt this one

[@AncientPottery]

You should do it

[@Timmyjg2004]

I’m excited for season 5!

[@sheilam4964]

Looking forward to the new Season. Thx for doing this and sharing. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@AncientPottery]

You bet

[@MariaM11]

Thank you for making these videos and releasing them for free on the internet. It is clear the information shared here is a result of years of research and practice.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, glad to be helping people learn here.

[@KySilvi]

The owl looks really great! Surprisingly owl sized :) I've picked up pottery since watching your videos, so I've been at it maybe 12 months. But with testing local clays and figuring out firing, it has only been in the last month that I have dabbled with reproduction. I still need to test out slips and what blacks and whites are available, but I sure want to try out your challenges! Please don't be disheartened - your videos have taught me so much about both the pots and the people of the ancient SW USA. I'm from NZ where there isn't a local history of pottery before Europeans arrived in the 1800s with wheel and kiln. Being able to get into more accessible pottery like this is amazing. Thank you.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, I am glad my videos have inspired you

[@janewhite2331]

Andy, I really enjoy watching your videos and look forward to them every week. I have done a little pottery but it was about 60 years ago. I am an elderly lady now, too old to take up a hobby, but I get considerable vicarious pleasure from watching you and I learn a lot too about a subject which was absolutely alien to me.

[@AncientPottery]

That's great. Like I said in this video, it's okay with me if people don't make pottery, it just took me a long time to figure that out about my audience.

[@PSC9634]

Owl is one of my favorites. I love the history you give as you're working. Living AZ, it means a lot. I agree the even top is better. I cringe when you touch the pot with the shovel. It shows you know what you're doing. I'd be afraid to break it. Great collection of replicas representing the different types.

[@AncientPottery]

You have to be gentle with the shovel but it's better than using gloves which can leave fingerprints

[@PSC9634]

So glad you'll be doing another collection! 🙌

[@montaramike]

Wonderful!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@jasongannon7676]

My difficulty with making these pots is that in WA state the materials are very different from your area. Most of which could be substituted, but would still not be a replica. However what I have been making in spirit of native pottery with native minerals is very cool and useful in its own unique way. Wich I have mostly learned from you.

[@AncientPottery]

Interesting!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

That is a wonderful collection of pottery. You have every reason to be proud of them❤️🤗🐝

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you so much!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@AncientPottery You’re welcome❤️🤗🐝

[@Kargoneth]

A fine collection at the end. Well done, Andy.

[@AncientPottery]

Many thanks!

[@Pop-zb3wr]

I would love to do the ancient pottery challenge, but I am in the boat of needing more practise first. I enjoy watching your ancient recreations - don't stop!

[@AncientPottery]

More to come, thanks

[@espenstormcrow8950]

Thank you for doing more pottery challenges. As a amateur it gives me ideas for goals to shoot for,

[@AncientPottery]

Glad to help.

[@dorotheadiallo5790]

🎉season five!!!!! yesss! 🎉

[@doriswlongAgoandfarAway]

Love the history background. And I just like watching pottery - though I don't.

[@AncientPottery]

I totally understand, thanks for watching.

[@IceLynne]

Excellent episode! Very impressive work ~ so beautiful ❤

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you very much!

[@mojavebohemian814]

Another great video. Tks

[@livinginthenow]

Andy, you're doing a wonderful job of educating people about ancient pottery techniques. I'm afraid that I'm one of those who watch and don't participate. It's not that I don't want to. I took two semesters of ceramics in school and really enjoyed it. I miss doing it, but it just isn't practical in my current living situation. Nevertheless, I am having a grand time living vicariously through you. Who knows? Perhaps sometime in the future I can get back to working with clay and I can try out some of these ancient types of pottery you so generously share with us all.

[@AncientPottery]

It's good with me whether you just like to watch or want to try it yourself. I am just learning more about my audience and that's a good thing.

[@novemberecho3807]

I love owls. That is a really cool pot, and I like the others as well 😊

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Those are seven gorgeous pots! The owl is adorable. I would really like to see you take on glazeware: its evolution and diffusion through the eastern Southwest as well as the technology involved in producing it.

[@AncientPottery]

Oh yes! That is high on my list actually, I have made a few videos about it but have failed pretty badly at making glaze ware so far. I think I will need some kind of technical break through before I can make another video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIDVfHlppNZ8h7c

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

@@AncientPottery I don’t know of anyone who is replicating glazeware, nor am I aware of any Native potter carrying on the tradition. Good luck with it!

[@AncientPottery]

@@jeanettewaverly2590 I know that Eric Blinman has done some experiments with glaze paint. And I also have some inside information on Mike Hawley's glaze painted White Mountain Red Ware. I just wish I could crack the code.

[@Sisa61]

You should be proud Andy. They are all absolutely stunning! I started my hand building obsession 2 years ago in a communal studio in London and haven’t looked back since. When I found your channel I was fascinated by your attempts to replicating this pottery history in its authentic form. I’m from Suriname in South America where the indigenous people also have their style of hand built pottery making and have been an admirer since I was a kid. I’m slowly working towards unearthing more of my cultural pottery history and researching the connections to the information you share here with us. Love your channel and looking forward to your next project. Thanks for sharing.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you. I have hopes of visiting South America next year to study the pottery, some amazing native pottery there for sure.

[@angeladazlich7145]

I just love to watch you painting swirls. You give me hope that someday I can do it too lol

[@AncientPottery]

You CAN do it, practice on some paper first and you will develop confidence.

[@arianematos1995]

Amazing work. Thank you your vídeos inspire and teach us, even when we don' d make the pieces. I'll try and let you know!🌻 Thnk you

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks and you're welcome.

[@sarahjarden8306]

Awesome Owl Andy! This was perhaps my own favourite of the challenge this year. I didn't manage them all, but the owl was so much fun to do! Loving yours and nice to see the correct pattern for the back. I 'winged' my owls pattern,lol!

[@AncientPottery]

That's awesome. It is a fun pot to make.

[@patspotpage]

Andy, I enjoy watching your challenge, and your channel, because I learn about history as well as the making of the pottery. I throw, and hand build a little, mostly in porcelain. I fire electric and don't have a place to pit fire, but some day I will try the ancient methods. I don't know if you have any interest in exploring other regions, a little more south, but I would be interested in learning how to make Peruvian whistling vessels. I made some death whistles this year and they were a fun project. Thanks for posting this art. You are helping to preserve our heritage and spread an understanding of where we come from.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you. I am hoping to visit South America next year to make some videos about the pottery there. Stay tuned!

[@cheriehomebody9454]

I participated in 2021 but I just made the pot designs and used modern methods. I've always loved SW pottery and even if I don't recreate them using the original methods and materials, I love the designs! If I can talk myself into getting into my clay again, I'll attempt some of these forms and I really love the owl! I did make the pukis and gourd scrapers.

[@AncientPottery]

That's awesome, I hope to see some more from you in the future.

[@DroBuilds]

Just pinched my first small cup! Thank you for igniting this interest

[@AncientPottery]

You are welcome

[@Donna_G]

My son has harvest clay from the wild. I don't think he has tried the coiling method of creating pots; but, he has used his pottery wheel with the wild clay. He made a very nice looking bowl. In the process of drying, the bowl has cracked. First, there was a crack on the bottom. Now there is a crack on the inside. He plans on letting the bowl completely dry, then grinding the clay up and starting over. He thought that maybe he used too much temper and that might have contributed to the cracking. He did make a bowl out of a mix of the store bought clay and the wild clay and so far, that one has not cracked. I enjoy watching your videos. I make pine needle baskets using the coiling method and after watching your videos, it occurred to me that coiling clay should be easy enough. So, I tried it using the some of the clay we got from the gallery store. It's not really that easy. Pine needles are rigid and flexible. The clay is not rigid and does not stay put. It tends to collapse on itself. Perhaps it's not the right clay for this method; But, I will keep trying.

[@AncientPottery]

It is unlikely that too much temper caused his problem, it is more likely that too little temper is the problem. But then again, some clays are just not suitable for pottery.

[@petrapoelstra-kranenburg3902]

I am learning a lot of your beautiful work. I hope to make this kind of work some day. Still working a fulltime job …….

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@dianesmigelski5804]

I find your videos inspiring! All the pots in this challenge were beautiful examples of the cultures in your area. I will look forward to next year’s challenge! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 👍😊🪴

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@marleneruddell9395]

Fantastic work Andy, I’ve really enjoyed watching you craft these pieces, and really looking forward to the next challenge.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks, more to come soon.

[@MandiSmash]

I just found your channel recently and I'm still learning but I hope to join in some of your next challenges. I have done wheel throwing, but not so much with coil. I live on the east coast so I am not sure how accessible the materials are, but I am going to research it! Thank you so much for these videos. Such beautiful and careful work.

[@AncientPottery]

Welcome aboard!

[@chj.schwarz]

I'm so happy to have found this channel! Very inspiring, really making me want to get into pottery. And I gotta say, as someone that works in Motion Design, the videography and editing are amazing too!

[@michellemooney1460]

Beautiful pieces. I would love to participate in the challenges. I will do my best to participate in the next one you have.

[@stephenwalford774]

Brilliant Andy.. That's so cool.. And bigger than I thought... Looking forward to the next

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

The owl pot came out beautifully. I'm glad you weren't dissuaded from another year of challenges. At some point I'd like to return to pottery making and maybe attempt one of these, but i am an advanced beginner and currently have no studio access. Maybe it would be a cool thing to teach an in person year-long class where you guide students in making them and firing them-- that part intimidates me too-- open pit firing by myself

[@jensenchavez265]

You don't need a year to learn how to do this. I took his workshop and learned it in just a few days. It was absolutely worth the money.

[@petrapetrakoliou8979]

I do pottery in my kitchen with simple tools I find. I fire it on the beach or in a garden, depending on where I am. You have great chances for success by trying it out on your own.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks, some good suggestions in response to this comment. Also I do a year long workshop, it's called the Ancient Potters Club and we meet every week to make pottery and to improve in our abilities.

[@harlemsar]

Hi Andy!!!, the way you bring back to life this fantastic pottery is really something that elevates my imagination, i will do pottery, i know i will, i´m just too scared i guess, love your channel, greettings from Colombia, one day i will learn about my culture and will replicate our Chibcha and Muisca Pottery.

[@karenbearden6198]

Andy, I love your channel it's educational as well as entertaining from start to finish not a dull minute. Also, I really do want to take up the challenge! Hoo knows, maybe next season I'll have the confidence to try. This owl pot really turned out marvelous, I love it from front to back. You are really good with a brush, nice steady hands.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you. I am glad you are enjoying my content.

[@Igknorranceisbliss]

I'm new to your channel and to pottery but that owl has me inspired. I'm gonna try that one but with the modern comforts of a wheel and kiln.

[@AncientPottery]

@@Igknorranceisbliss aw man, why not go all the way?

[@al-vj4cg]

Wowww a beautiful collection! I love all of the pieces! Can't wait for the next season it's all so informative and relaxing.

[@marydawnpafford9969]

Yay! Beautiful.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you! 😊

[@billskinner623]

Have you thought of looking at some of the Southeastern pottery? I love your work but I generally do southeastern pottery. I would love to see your thoughts on that type of pottery.

[@AncientPottery]

Perhaps some day. I feel I will need to make a trip back there and visit some museums and talk to some archaeologists to get a good understanding about southeastern pottery. So it won't be this coming season but it is something I would love to do at some point.

[@dawnbarone5804]

I tried this pot; it didn't turn out great, but it was a lot of fun. I tagged it on Instagram.

[@AncientPottery]

Hmm, not seeing it, what is your Instagram handle?

[@jessalford5927]

Andy, you are a good artist.

[@ronniegriffin5383]

Really impressive body of work.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you Ronnie

[@dilihopa]

Just found your channel! So interesting, informative, and incredibly inspiring. ❤ from 🇨🇦

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

I am curious whether it would be more work for no reward to use the mortise and tendon technique to attach the eyes to the pot. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. The Owl pot turned out great. Thanks for sharing.

[@AncientPottery]

I think there would be no advantage to doing it that way and a lot more work. Thanks

[@karenfarias4930]

I love it! It nicer than the original. 🙃

[@clementramon8589]

Nice Andy. Love how you teach us what you know. That's cool! Thank you... Oh... Good assessment on viewers. Are you a F.B.I agent? 😊

[@AncientPottery]

You are welcome. Understanding your viewers is important to be successful on KZbin, I work at it.

[@Billabongkid]

I love this channel keep up the good work

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks, will do!

[@joseantonioescalante9921]

Gracias maestro, voy a empesar hacer jarrones y cántaros con estas técnicas primitivas de nuestros ancestros

[@K2blades2]

I love this SO MUCH! I am inspired to do the same! Thank you for showing us how to do this!

[@eunicemartins9088]

I love it. Good!! Bellissima!!!

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you!!

[@MRC11221]

could the cut out pieces be slump molds where they would put slabs of clay over them & let them slump through the cut out?

[@annemorrison1007]

Just found your videos a few weeks ago - I love them! Do we know why some pukis had holes in them? Just curious! Thanks, from Australia.

[@dianadelahaye7660]

How do you make organic paint? Beautiful owl pot!!

[@gabrielaalcaide7290]

Where can i get a brush to make long straight lines like that one?

[@AncientPottery]

You want a liner brush, I buy them at Hobby Lobby but they are sold many places.

[@kellymcconnell8918]

Can you use eggshell for a temper

[@AncientPottery]

No, eggshells are calcium carbonate see this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHKWm2x-gNmLqrM

[@jensenchavez265]

Does reduction firing organic oaint produce a visible difference compared to oxidized organic paint?

[@AncientPottery]

Yes, whiter whites are achieved with the reduced organic firings, but they will not oxidize reds like I have here. The only reason to fire this kind of pottery on the surface is if you want reds too, otherwise the smothered firing is better.

[@jensenchavez265]

@@AncientPotteryHow fascinating, thank you sir. Keep up the great work!

[@Timmyjg2004]

If I’m making small pottery, is it fine to make a quite deep hole and use a bellows to blow and make it hotter?

[@AncientPottery]

I would fire on the surface but hey you do you

[@Timmyjg2004]

How close do you live next to chads hut because you’ve talked about the same plants etc than the plants he’s got

[@AncientPottery]

We are in the same state but hours apart

[@liammiller8112]

i wanna try to make these, but like... tiny mugs, and i can give them two handles, one on each side and make them look like little weengs

[@nom_b]

I will never look at that owl pot in the same way.. all I see now is mcDonalds arches :-D

[@AncientPottery]

LOL

[@Kargoneth]

Och! A MacDonald's owl is it? Aye! Such bonnie, bushy brows! The proud owl pot of clan MacDonald! May its hooting bring bonnie victories o'er the vile clans MacDuff and MacGregor with their bloody kangaroo and donkey pots! (I'm just being silly. Turned your McDonalds joke into one about crazy Scots and Winnie the Pooh.) A pretty pot. You've not replicated the speckled eye disks I see. You've also a remarkably steady painting hand. I am now at 16:30 and curious to see the final results!

[@Kargoneth]

Eh? Where'd those eye disk dots come from? You must've continued painting. Looks very nice, Andy.

[@AncientPottery]

Yeah I edited some of the painting out because it was looooong.

[@AncientPottery]

I'm glad my McDonalds joke wasn't wasted on you. Thanks

[@mihailvormittag6211]

👍

[@jillatherton4660]

😄👍

[@jankeyj1]

super informative... as always! thank you from Phoenix

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, glad you liked it.

[@acavoxnegledajtelevizor401]

You can make a survey to se how much people which following you actually making pottery 😊. Ill give example 1. I'm making pottery 2. I'm tryed it before 3. I'm not making pottery

[@AncientPottery]

Okay, that's a good idea, I will do this in a couple days.

[@jesusfigueroa7420]

The original is better because owls don't have flat heads but domed.

[@Timmyjg2004]

Did they enjoy decorating pots just to make them look cooler?

[@AncientPottery]

Probably

[@BubuH-cq6km]

🦉🧱🔥😎 👍🏼

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you liked it