Messages From the High Desert - Hardcover

Swink, Clint

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 097442630X ISBN 13: 9780974426303

Publisher: Redtail Press, 2004

Synopsis

Nearly 1,000 years ago, when the Mesa Verdeans mysteriously abandoned the high Colorado Plateau desert of the American southwest, they took with them their ceramic production knowledge while leaving behind a legacy of enchanting pottery. Now, like no other book in the world, Messages From the High Desert details authentic production techniques of that pottery based on 18 years of dedicated research and production by Clint Swink.

Lavishly illustrated with 605 Black-and-white photos and 50 line drawings, Messages guides the reader through the processes necessary to authentically replicate not only painted ware, but corrugated pottery as well. The clear illustrations and easy to follow text, make this book a valuable potter’s resource while the wealth of research data creates a unique archaeological reference. All will find the firing chapter to be the most thorough presentation on prehistoric firing anywhere.

For inspiration, Messages incorporates unique mirror photographs for complete viewing of the original artwork of 158 museum artifacts from the Mesa Verde Culture. These pots, when combined with the detailed information gleaned from the production of thousands of authentic replicas and hundreds of trench kiln firings, yield the unique master work that is Messages From the High Desert.

Messages helps us all travel the strong path of understanding about our Southwestern predecessors who silently communicate with us through their art.

About this title

About the Author:

A professional artist since 1970, Clint Swink turned his talents to ceramic replication in 1987 and extenstively researched the art of Anasazi pottery. His pioneering efforts led in large part to the redicovery of lost ceramic art forms, such as Mesa Verde Black-on-white, of which he is now considered to be the only living master. His steadfast dedication to archaeological accuracy has created not only a new school of art, but global recognition of the value of authentic ceramic replication and has "kindled a new appreciation for those who left behind the beauty of their art..." (National Geographic, 4/96)

About this edition

• Publisher: Redtail Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 097442630X
• ISBN 13: 9780974426303
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 321