Nancy Williams

My journey in clay began in 1998 when I started taking pottery classes at a local clay center. I was so drawn into it that I resigned from my full time banking career and started an apprenticeship at the clay center. After a short period of time I was asked to become an instructor and learned just how much I enjoy passing on the skill of throwing on the wheel.

I have studied under various Colorado artists such as Connie Christenson, Robin Furuta and Judy Therrien. A lot of my skill, however, stems from being self taught. I am not afraid to try something new or take on a challenge when it comes to clay.

There are many avenues that I travel in the world of clay; raku, altered forms, bottle forms and coil throwing, to name a few. I incorporate other elements of the earth in with my forms such as stone beads, feathers, shells and leather. My deepest passion lies in cutting and carving into the clay and creating stories on my forms. My appreciation for the Native American culture and symbolism is apparent throughout a majority of my forms and decoration. One of my greatest experiences in clay was a workshop that I attended at the San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico where I experienced their traditional technique of “black on black” pottery along with much of their culture and beliefs.

Working with clay has been such a fulfilling journey for me, and my journey has just begun. I look so forward to all the new discoveries that await me.