Opening in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a solo show of new works by Diné/Santa Clara potter Daniel Begay at King Galleries. Smoke:Screen will present a unique group of red and brown vessels that showcase the last step of the entire pottery making process: the firing process. In addition to the primarily black-finished vessels that Begay has been producing for the last five or so years, collectors will undoubtedly notice the vivid reds and browns in this latest body of work.

Messages after a Cold Winter, Native clay, coil-built, traditionally-fired.

 

“Black pieces are relatively straightforward: smoke from dry manure and a bit of patience. With pieces that I want to finish red or brown, timing is crucial. There’s a tricky balance in maintaining the presence of smoke,” Begay explains. “Either I have to remove as much smoke exposure as possible or a very small window of exposure—we’re talking minutes.”

Grandfather’s Message, Native clay, coil-built, traditionally-fired.

 

Messages after a Cold Winter, Finding a New Way and Grandfather’s Message, all of which will be part of the upcoming show, are some of the largest the artist has created to date, and each features a series of bold designs. “Few Native potters create such diversity of forms as Daniel Begay,” says gallery owner Charles King. “Inspired by traditional shapes, Daniel challenges perspective with unique shapes. His carved pottery contrasts matte and polished surfaces. Fired red or brown, the surfaces add a new dimension to his artistry and a visual tension within his forms and designs.”

Messages after a Cold Winter, Native clay, coil-built, traditionally-fired.

 

Finding a New Way, Native clay, coil-built, traditionally-fired.

 

Begay explains that achieving red tones requires an almost total absence of smoke, very similar to firing in a kiln. Brown pieces require finding a “sweet spot” when determining exposure to smoke. Again, the process could take mere minutes. “It could be a mix of using a limited amount of manure to create smoke or utilizing wood that burns and creates smoke. Given I fire using a traditional method, I’m still at the will of Mother Nature; should there be wind present, a piece’s color composition could differ,” says the artist.

Messages after a Cold Winter, Native clay, coil-built, traditionally-fired.

 

He continues, “Part of the inspiration [for this new body of work] came from questions I’d get from collectors about the process and how we achieve the black color. Naturally those conversations involved an explanation of achieving the red or brown color. I also thought about the importance of practicing and exploring more with this color. I’d like to experiment more with natural pigments and shades of the iron oxide slip we use for the red color. Another source of inspiration was a recent visit to the School for Advanced Research and their collection of pueblo pottery. I was afforded a chance to explore and learn more about older creations. My hope is to grow and expand work in this area.”

Smoke:Screen - Daniel Begay New Works in Clay opens Thursday, April 10, and hangs through April 17. —

King Galleries
April 10-17, 2025
7077 E. Main Street #20, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 481-0187, www.kinggalleries.com

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