Lucy Lewis--Sydney Natkiel

 Lucy Lewis was a Native American potter known for her black-on-white decorative ceramics made using technical techniques. She started out making pottery at the age of 8, making ash-bowls for tourists that were sold for 5-10 cents. She had 9 children and 7 of them became potters. Lewis's pottery is made from a gray clay body and formed by using hand coils. After the pot is shaped and dried, a white slip is applied. Without the slip the mineral paints would run off the pot. Next, the design is applied using mineral paints and a brush made from yucca. Yucca holds more paint and makes finer lines than regular brushes bought at a store. Finally, on a day when the weather is right for firing, a small number of finished pieces are carefully pit-fired. I really like the designs she includes on her work, she has been compared to Pablo Picasso.