John Olsen Corrugated Pottery Master

[@bradellison1345]

Sitting in a comfortable chair under a shade tree with a cool beverage, birds chirping, grass swaying talking about your passion is the definition of success

[@AncientPottery]

Ha, yes! John has truly made it now.

[@mimineyney7593]

That's what i really want to achieve in my life

[@AbelWermuth-dw5lo]

I came to the comments as soon as I saw that haha

[@lvin9632]

I had the great honor of creating my own coil pot under John's supervision, well a couple of them. I still have those as well as the one he made while teaching me, a cherished treasure! From pottery lessons, to field trips, to just talking, I throughly enjoyed my time with John and wish for more. Truly a wonderful human! Thank you John! 😊

[@AncientPottery]

That is awesome!

[@pejoly2]

What an awesome video. As I was watching I realized we can choose to experience chaos, selfishness and greed, or peace and contentment. I normally focus on business (making money) but stumbled on one of your videos a while ago and realized there is something here for me. I think the mere fact that our culture, economy, and way of life are not sustainable should cause us to consider our choices more carefully. I have been guilty of chasing the herd to try to get an advantage, and maybe even get ahead. You guys are the ones who are ahead creating something that could last much longer than this whacky culture. Thanks for being one of the small guys making a difference. You can't make a difference without being different.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks, beautifully written. A trip to Boulder, Utah to learn at the feet of this master can lead one to think deeply about the important things in life.

[@GrizzlyGroundswell]

OK, this is something I have never seen or heard of before. I love stumbling upon a video that expands the knowledge base and connects the dots. Bravo! Love to see a vid of this artist firing his work.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you so much. I will mention to John about doing a firing video.

[@Gingy50]

What a beautiful piece of pottery. I never would of guessed how these particular pots were made and it was most fascinating to watch you work. Thank you for sharing your video and technique's xx

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you so much!

[@adamk.2336]

The cinematography on this video is 10/10. The video of the corrugation process is interspersed with video of the interview questions, and it all comes together so neatly. I'm going to recommend this video to my instructor.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you Adam.

[@Koolala75]

Amazing how this master has condensed a fraction his over 50 years of experience and extensive knowledge into such a concise lesson, I could watch and listen to him for hours. When I get out west, I would like to take his class. This is the most peaceful and loveliest channel ever. I love this channel and the host, so much. ❤️❤️❤️

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks, John is an amazing guy but he is not currently in the best of health.

[@Koolala75]

@@AncientPottery thank you for the update, hope he will be ok. 😞💔

[@TC-rv6sz]

His attention to detail is astounding. I thought I knew what having an "eye for detail" meant, but this video took that understanding to another level.

[@Miss-Tori]

Sitting up late watching this video again. I am just amazed at the prehistoric techniques. I love the way the pyramidal triangle shape is worked in. I can just imagine the feel of this in my hand during use. The texture would have made it great for handling. And that secret about the riveting the handle through the pot itself is genius. Not the way its taught today. I can't wait to try this. I was just amazed when he mentioned that the wagon was slipping in the clay. It reminds me of this area I live in. After a rain you can barely walk out because the clay keeps sticks to your boots and as you get taller your feet get heavier. I think we have a lot of clay in our soil.

[@AncientPottery]

It sounds like you do have a lot of clay in your soil, it might work great for pottery. I'm glad you have enjoyed this video, John is an amazing guy.

[@marcsmelser9508]

This is an amazing video. I sure did not realize how much technique there was involved in making corrugated. Thank you Andy for the well put together video and thank you John for sharing your knowledge wit the rest of us!!!

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@6bonjour]

Outstanding, It is clear that John is an accomplished potter. Very nice editing and good camera work. I'll now give it a try. Thanks.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks for noticing and commenting on the camera work. I have made 2 previous corrugated videos but they were shot from a tripod. In this one I shot handheld the whole time so I could get close and I think it works much better.

[@lily.m7486]

That was fantastic thank you so much for taking the time to record and share!

[@AncientPottery]

You bet!

[@francesh3423]

Appreciate the respect shown for Indigenous art forms (well, art now, then as John realistically replicates, functional forms). Excellent video, and the pots look so therapeutic to make I imagine.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, and yes, super-therapeutic.

[@maryannhunwick2774]

Oh thank you!! John is truly a one of a kind, and a fantastic person!! Much gratitude!

[@AncientPottery]

Couldn't agree more!

[@oriundodelbosque7912]

Wow. Love his humble attitude. That's a master. So inspirational. Thanks for another great video.

[@AncientPottery]

That is John for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@dulceshimkus6496]

I have been blessed to be able to spend time with John and learn from him! I love watching him work! John, you make it look so easy! You really are a master potter!

[@AncientPottery]

He is a treasure.

[@anndriggers6660]

I can imagine coming across ancient Fingerprints from the artist. That made these amazing pods. How incredibly fascinating.!

[@sallythompson5071]

I'm trying this tomorrow. Thanks!

[@AncientPottery]

Hope you enjoy

[@sallythompson5071]

I really love it! And I'm wild harvesting clay as well. I'm in northern Michigan so it's a little different than the clay you find. But perfect for coiling and corrugated pottery. Thanks for the valuable teaching!

[@wanderingpots]

I loved this film, thank you so much, it’s true the potters wheel is over used. This inspires me to do hand building again.

[@AncientPottery]

I’m glad this offered some inspiration to you.

[@vulcanswork]

One of the most fascinating videos ever. Thank you for documenting this.

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it! John is a real treasure.

[@sirsteamtrain7913]

I'm new to pottery and use a wheel but I love this content.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you, I hope to inspire you to try hand building.

[@ellensanford7013]

I really, really enjoyed this video. I'll be giving this a go. I've heard of it, but never quite understood the process. Thank you so much to both of you for sharing!!

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you found it useful.

[@tksmith3698]

What a wonderful environment to work in. His technique was amazing to watch and it was so nice it hear of his early failings too.

[@AncientPottery]

So true! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@suz4keeps]

Thanks for this! 2 minutes start of technique 2:15 8:00 14:20 17:40 21:00 26:00

[@TheMarPacifico]

a patient admirable artist!

[@AncientPottery]

Indeed

[@causticvision]

Thank you! Good balance between the story and the working process. I've watched it twice though, first to listen, and the second one to follow the process.

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@virginiaperez7102]

Wonderful! It is another approach to pottery and to life

[@AncientPottery]

Yes, thank you.

[@marionengelbach6519]

thank you for sharing this technique !! this has so many design possibilities. Bravo!

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you like it!

[@tommyseaton2900]

Greeting John! It's been a minute, miss learning from pottery master of southern Utah and hearing his adventures/advice on journey of pottery making.

[@michellemooney1460]

Loved loved loved this video! Such beautiful pottery!

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michellemooney1460]

As soon as I saw the corrugated pottery I knew I wanted to try and make a pot! I have been trying to research the native Americans in north Louisiana. The caddos here in east Louisiana were very good potters and after seeing ur video I found some of their work with it and now I am just going to have to try and make a piece with it! Ty so much for all u share for newbies like me to learn so much.

[@mimineyney7593]

That's amazing beautiful beautiful art ❤

[@jessegreywolf]

What a great interview!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@rafaelperez-ep7wi]

Nunca imagine ver a un rudo hell's biker haciendo hermosas ceramicas, esto es culturalmente refrescante. Gracias Ancient Pottery.❤

[@dgse87]

I've never even did anything in clay but I really enjoyed the style and pacing of the interview. Great work :)

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@kristibbradshaw]

I love this. Thank you for showing me.

[@AncientPottery]

You are so welcome!

[@coopart1]

This video came at a great time for me. Just about to try this method with native clay from the mimbres valley

[@AncientPottery]

Excellent! If you ever want to share some Mimbres valley clay let me know. I would love to collect some of that.

[@coopart1]

@@AncientPottery I sure will Andy! I am just starting to explore the primitive side of pottery. Been throwing on a wheel for a few years. So as soon as I have confidence in my source collected I will let you know. BTW we have a great collection of mimbres pottery at the deming nm museum if you have never been here .

[@AncientPottery]

@@coopart1 one of my favorite places. I would love to photograph some of those pots outside the case some day.

[@healthprimitive28]

This is a wonderful video!! Very well put together. I can't believe anybody would thumbs down. If they only knew John personally and had seen his work, they may reconsider that thumbs down. Thank you again Andy great video and love your channel it's been so helpful to me!

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you. I always wonder about why people will down vote a video, maybe it’s just fun for them to go around voting down good videos.

[@grittykitty50]

They usually do it because they have thumbs.

[@nicolebelanger4745]

Wow I would love to take a workshop from John. Your videos are great and so full of information. Really appreciate the time and effort you put into it.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you. Yes John is a great teacher, he does teach a few workshops every year.

[@Gildete257]

Wonderful job. A real artist

[@AncientPottery]

yes he is, thanks.

[@julietzavon1836]

Wonderful video! I've seen these in museums but never had a feel for how they are made. Very interesting to watch. It gives me many ideas about things to try.

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you. Seeing how something is made can really give you a new appreciation. Corrugated pottery is so time consuming to produce but is very beautiful and lovely to hold in your hands.

[@caseymeyers1465]

Thank you for another great video. I enjoy learning all the different hand building techniques.

[@AncientPottery]

My pleasure! Now give it a try.

[@AkingBones1]

Wonderful, Knitting in clay....wish I lived closer....regards from the UK

[@bishnur3768]

I love his work.... Really very nice

[@AncientPottery]

Yes it is, thanks

[@bishnur3768]

@@AncientPottery welcome sir...

[@tomasneel1980]

Hi guys! What a life. Totally made my day watching. I knew David Holliday in Tucson, he had a influence on my art as a teenager in school and the church we attended. Keep it up andy!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks you. David is an interesting guy, we met lots of great people in Boulder.

[@gingerbrown9176]

I think you can read minds. I was just obsessing over corrugated pottery but I could not think of the word "corrugated"! I can't wait to attempt this!

[@AncientPottery]

I’m glad to help, hope your pottery turns out good.

[@gingerbrown9176]

@@AncientPottery it didn't... 😒... But John said his first pots were pathetic so that gives me hope!

[@AncientPottery]

@@gingerbrown9176 failure is the best teacher.

[@gingerbrown9176]

What kind of temper was he using? Maybe mine is too fine?

[@AncientPottery]

@@gingerbrown9176 Volcanic cinders

[@pamelastetor8803]

Thanks for uploading this video. Blessings

[@vernerblaylock919]

Really great, thanks. Amazing guy. Missing a finger on his right hand, pretty cool to look at. Hardly noticed it at first.

[@AncientPottery]

Yes, I was the same way, it took me awhile before I noticed.

[@TDAZ85718]

Incredible! I can't wait to try this.

[@AncientPottery]

Have fun!

[@randolphfriend8260]

🩷 thank you for this knowledge. I found a cardboard box of these shards at a garage sale in Oklahoma. I organized them, wondering just how they came about. Thank you. 😁

[@digitalice7875]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@AncientPottery]

You are welcome.

[@crowstudios300]

This was fantastic! I can't wait to try this technique.

[@AncientPottery]

Go for it!

[@latetodagame1892]

Amazing work!

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks a lot!

[@virginiaolsen5265]

Omg This guy is my son! Can't believe all the beautiful things he has made!

[@AncientPottery]

Congratulations Mrs. Olsen

[@carolnorton2551]

Beautiful work, Thank you.

[@AncientPottery]

Many thanks!

[@sudarshanjuyal]

Simply WOW

[@mayamachine]

Wliwni wji yo, N'8da namito, thank you for this, I've not seen before. .. I didn't know there was a difference, i was just told that's a coil pot. Beautiful.

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@notwrkn2mch]

That was really interesting 🙂

[@angellynette8258]

Amazing video. Thank you for sharing it.

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nominkhanaarsalang154]

trying to do this right now, and it is A LOT harder than he made it look like...

[@marthastrogen9001]

This is the first video of yours I ever I ever watched, so at that time I figured you were a journalist or something. I had looked up “How t make corrugated pottery”, because way back in 1980 when I was working at the Grand Canyon, I tried to figure it out so I could do a demonstration at the Visitor Center. They had some examples of that type of pots in their museum. Back then I couldn’t figure it out. Seemed like they must have had super tiny fingers…

[@bobbysilas3669]

Super kool..thank you guys for this video..super amazed

[@AncientPottery]

You're welcome, thanks for the comment Bobby!

[@Kadranos]

That's really awesome! I'll bet you could achieve some amazing effects with slips and glazes on it, too!

[@AncientPottery]

Yes!

[@helenecaron6853]

I truly enjoy your video and you do nice pottery by hand….thank you 👍🏆

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you too

[@susanwhite1641]

Great video, thank you

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you liked it!

[@yeshuas5172]

Very good, Thank you!

[@AncientPottery]

You’re welcome

[@grandparocky]

Thank You!

[@dianesmigelski5804]

Very interesting video. Lots of great info. I am wondering if there is a utilitarian reason for having a corrugated method. I wish we could ask the Old Ones who made them originally. But I was wondering if the corrugating helped to keep water cooler? It’s such an intriguing method. As John Olson mentioned, there are thousands of corrugation patterns/styles. So I am wondering why they did it. They are definitely beautiful.

[@zokon53]

So cool what was the red powder he was wedging into the clay at the beginning ? Like some kind of grog?

[@AncientPottery]

It was finely ground volcanic cinders that he uses for temper (same purpose as grog)

[@crissal6241]

Me encanta! Quiero aprender esa técnica

[@tonysoaresnativeclays1434]

Love it !!!

[@AncientPottery]

Good stuff

[@anndriggers6660]

What was the dark brown material that he was mixing? The clay with in the very beginning? Thank you so much for this video I am absolutely intrigued and seriously considering starting to do pottery..

[@lizetteswanepoel3786]

What amazing g skill

[@anavizurraga1176]

Beautiful work. I

[@AncientPottery]

Thank you!

[@ElizabethGreene]

Do these have any other advantages over pinch pottery besides aesthetics and that you can build them entirely in hand without a table or puki?

[@AncientPottery]

There was a study done some years back that showed that corrugated cooking pots lasted longer than non-corrugated. That the texture helped them endure the constant heating and cooling cycles that will eventually cause cooking pots to crack and break. To be clear some corrugated pots are made with a puki, and non-corrugated pots can also be formed, like this, without a puki.

[@renewedrewilder830]

Great video - thank you! Were the styles that you replicate also made traditionally with thin coils?

[@AncientPottery]

It can be hard to say when the pottery is scraped smooth. But from my research I believe the coils used in my area were usually between a half inch to an inch in thickness. Corrugated pottery is fairly rare in my area of southeast Arizona.

[@deepashtray5605]

That was cool. Thanks.

[@AncientPottery]

Glad you liked it!

[@inthegarden6556]

Amazing

[@AncientPottery]

Thanks

[@davidnewland2556]

I'm wondering what kind of bird is in the back ground is it a dove? or some type of owl?

[@Briaaanz]

I'm so used to people saying "score and slip" over and over. Why didn't this method cause it to crack or break during firing?

[@AncientPottery]

Score and slip is not required unless the clay has significantly dried out between coils. A good bonding pinch will usually do the job of attaching the two pieces of clay.

[@2shivika]

Would love to learn corrugated pottery, are you doing any workshop

[@AncientPottery]

I don't teach corrugated but John Olsen does occasionally. Check out Kelly's website she usually teaches with John kayentafire.com

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

I was just watching another channel on this same subject. I guess that is a sign to make one. LOL. I'll be happy if i can just get it stay together.

[@AncientPottery]

Do it! This takes some practice but the results can be stunning.

[@blather4458]

Does anyone know what he adds to the clay for temper? Thanks!

[@AncientPottery]

@@blather4458 volcanic cinders

[@tanith09ify]

Thank you very much. Loved watching this beautiful piece come to life. Another technique to play with.

[@AncientPottery]

You are so welcome!

[@Aspen7780]

Something that just occurred to me regarding the start of the pot. Why can’t you use the puki to mold the correlations to? Say you turn the puki upside down and use the foot of it? Could you start spiraling by attaching the coils/spinning them around/pressing them into each other around the inverted base? Seems to me you wouldn’t have to spend much time making/considering a pattern as just the action of pressing them in might leave a pattern. The inside being pressed onto the puki should hopefully smooth out automatically and what little doesn’t can be smoothed after the corrugated form releases from the puki. The puki would need to be smaller than the imagine corrugated pot and would need to have a rounded bottom. Dang I need to try this. Edit: didn’t work. Building the pot was fine. In fact, was great and quite easy. It had great corrugated coils and using the puki solid base it was very helpful to handle. Even fast to make. Pressed onto the puki, the interior surface of the or start came out nice and smooth. Problem was that the bowl still hadn’t quite let go of the puki (a real ceramic one) but the contracting clay tried shrinking around the puki as it dried but couldn’t so it cracked all up. Darn! I don’t know if using a much more courser or heavily tempered clay would fair any better. Might be the same result. Shucks

[@carolnorton2551]

Were all ancient pots made with rounded bottoms? Why was the bottom rounded instead of made flat ?

[@AncientPottery]

There were a few exceptions but most were round. Round is a strong shape and round bottoms are easily leveled on uneven surfaces.

[@AncientPottery]

@@carolnorton2551 yes, no tables or shelves

[@JorgeStolfi]

Pre-Columbian natives in Brazil used corrugated pottery (with the dimples apparenly made with the fingernail) on their largest pots -- 1 m tall or more, used to warm up the manioc beer ("cauim") during parties. I have seen two explanations for the corrugations: they made the pot more resistant to cracking, and they absorbed the heat from the fire more efficiently. Cannot tell which is correct. Does Olsen have an answer?

[@AncientPottery]

An archaeologist named Chris Pierce did a study that showed that corrugated pots lasted longer and resisted breaking from repeated heatings and coolings.

[@TemplarX2]

It would be good if you do another video where you edit out the interview and just show the technique.

[@AncientPottery]

I did. However it is available to channel members only, an hour and a half of pure John Olsen making a pot.

[@billmcdonald9115]

You mentioned links to John Olsen classes. Can you put in the link,

[@AncientPottery]

They are there, in the dooblydoo. Link to Kelly Magelby’s website and also to the events of Wintercount, Rabbit Stick and Fire to Fire.

[@billmcdonald9115]

@@AncientPottery I'm sorry Andy. Old guy here What is the dooblydoo?

[@AncientPottery]

@@billmcdonald9115 sorry Bill, there is a description box below the video where I add additional information about the video and links to other websites. Depending on where you are watching, computer, tablet, phone, etc, it may look differently. Here is a good video showing how to find that information. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGGYf3iIetKom6M

[@billmcdonald9115]

@@AncientPottery OMG. the "Show More" button. Thank You Andy

[@AncientPottery]

@@billmcdonald9115 you’re welcome, always glad to help

[@curiousamiba]

Mind blown

[@AncientPottery]

John is amazing.

[@curiousamiba]

@@AncientPottery definitely going to give it a go.

[@raghavannagarajan3330]

Hi thanks for the teaking efforts to traval amazing port art like this one and the Mexico. I seen your vedio on mecxicon porty village. Is it possible to go and learn with them. I am from india please tell me how and sum address thanks for all my prayers with you always

[@Ken.Kaniff.From.Conn.]

I would love to know John's firing process to see how he achieves that dark brown look.

[@josephhodge8801]

The birds!!

[@AncientPottery]

I don't get it

[@josephhodge8801]

@@AncientPottery do you hear all the birds chirping in the background! Sounds like a rainforest.

[@dawnthompson1002]

Omg. We're the horses ok? I'm all about clay. But I'm all about the horses too!

[@AncientPottery]

Horses? It has been a few months since I filmed this video but I don't remember anything about horses.

[@Sanderly1820]

Oh my god thought this was AGP reincarnated, this must be his twin brother. Check out kid behind the camera

[@AncientPottery]

John is a sweet guy. I don't think anyone would ever call him "angry grandpa"

[@kevinjamiesonbelou]

Ok. I’ve been watching for a total of 10 seconds….has anybody noticed his missing finger?

[@AncientPottery]

It took me longer than that to notice the finger.

[@carolmuse9894]

Is John still alive? I saw he had cancer.

[@AncientPottery]

Yes, he was at the kiln conference recently