Featured Artist's Artwork

Mountains, abundant forests, and nearby deserts provide not only inspiration, but a natural supply of raw materials for her art. Each piece of pottery is hands for her art. Each piece of pottery is built in the traditional ways of coils and slabs, and bisque fired for strength. Each piece is individually fired in a pit dug into the earth and then surrounded by various natural fuels found in the surrounding mountains and forests; from pine cones and needles to branches and leaves, and even cow, horse, and animal dung! The pit is set aflame and left to burn and smolder for many hours, thus creating the interesting surface colors and effects.

Basketry is then hand-woven onto the pot, from various vines and pine needles into the the artist's own unique designs. Finally, to complete the individual personality of each pot, it is adorned with decorations of feathers, metals, carvings, paintings, and music. Though the pots usually have a distinctive front, the artist is very concerned with the beauty and interests from all sides. Any designs carved into the pot are hand-tooled and individually created.

Kevin and Shawn are talented artists who live beside a small lake in the remote wilderness of northern Minnesota. Inspired by the beauty of their natural surroundings, and wishing to honor their two and four legged "neighbors," they began collaborating several years ago on the creation of animal totem figures, which the call "Native Critters."

Each critter is delicately hand-carved and painted by Kevin, using woods and materials native to the region. Drawing upon her Ojibwa heritage, Shawn then adorns each figure with beautifully fashioned, intricately detailed Native American costumes. Together they draw upon the spirit, and gift it to others through each piece they create, in a way they know it to be. In each "critter," the story of that animal's walk on the earth can be felt, and this is the animal's gift to the people. They are truly heart felt works of art.

A limited edition of one hundred pieces of each Critter is produced every year. Each is numbered and signed by the artist.