Welcome to Michael Wisner Southwest Pottery

Welcome

Inspired by ancient Anasazi and Mimbres potsherds, I began making southwestern pottery. I dig clay in the Elk Mountains outside my studio in Snowmass, Colorado. The clay is filtered to remove rocks and debris and then hand coiled to form each piece. The pottery is then incised with metal tools to create the rythmic texture and pattern. Each pot is a one-of-a-kind hand crafted work of art.
Since 1989 I have studied extensively with potters of the American Indian Pueblos and Mata Ortiz Mexico. Juan Quezada has been my most influential mentor. His genius and concern for craftsmanship have influenced all aspects of my work. After years of study under Juan's tutelage, I decided to use these old techniques to create something new. These textured pieces are the results.