Sunday, January 19, 2014

Muddies Unite!





What do a hair pick, kitchen utensils, hacksaw blade and vinegar have in common? These are some of the tools used by the “muddies” (as clay artists are lovingly called here) that come from household goods. Uku is the Maori word for clay and many of the artists here belong to a collective of uku workers. The quality of work coming out of this collective is beyond compare, in my view, and is comprised of a broad range of supremely talented and dedicated folks whose work stems from their Maori cultural traditions. It’s an honor to be a muddie at this Kokiri Putahi, and I’ve found a camaraderie with this group that I’ve never quite experienced. I’m loving it and learning so much – from Maori stories that inform gorgeous design work to tips and tricks like using vinegar to join clay seams. Muddies unite!

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