Thanks to John Weber of Corrales for agreeing to be our Meet the Member for July. 

How did you first get interested in clay?

I was eight years old the first time I touched clay—not in a classroom, but in a friend’s garage. They had a heavy kick wheel and a kiln, both interesting and engaging to me at the time. My friend and I took turns seeing how fast we could get the wheel going, putting small balls of clay on the wheel and laughing as they flew off in all directions. Without knowing it, we were playing with centripetal force —and with something much deeper. That same year, I got to work with clay in school for the first time in 3rd grade. But it wasn’t until 7th grade that the fascination truly took hold. I discovered that clay wasn’t just something to shape with your hands—it had rules and risks. The idea that a piece could explode in the kiln if there was air trapped inside? That captured my imagination completely. At 12, the possibility of something  blowing up was thrilling—but it also planted the seed of respect for the material. In high school, I was mostly on my own. My art teacher was a painter, not a potter, so I taught myself to throw on the wheel by studying photos. Then one day, a visiting artist came to our class and introduced us to throwing and raku. Watching the flame meet the clay, seeing how earth and fire could come together in an unpredictable dance— that moment hooked me for life. Then college is where I took off with clay and never looked back. Clay has taught me patience, persistence, and the beauty of imperfection. It’s about the process: It’s about learning to listen to the material - it becomes a language for your own.

Describe your studio.

I have a small 10’ x 10’ studio with a large 15’ x 18’ covered area outdoors attached to it. It has a tin roof over it with cedar plank walls and red pavers for the floor. The equipment I use is a Skutt 1027 studio kiln (free from a high school because it was being junked) which I rebuilt. Most recently I’ve built a raku kiln using a 55-gallon drum and Kaowool ceramic fiber. I also use a Bailey slab roller and I have 2 work tables. I love welding, woodworking, and soon, metal pouring.

Describe your “work."

I am trying to envision the fusion of impressionist painting and abstract sculpture in clay. The fusion of two styles creates a unique artistic language where the organic, fluid qualities of clay and the impressions that clay lends itself to, mirror the spontaneity of impressionist brushstrokes. The abstract nature of the designs allows for open interpretation. The pieces each evoke landscapes, emotions, or even memories, but they remain undefined enough to let each viewer bring their own perspective to the work. This interplay between the concrete and the intangible is what makes these pieces so compelling tome because they invite a dialogue between the artist, the medium, and the audience. Sometimes it is like looking at clouds and seeing things that create a connection between the viewer and the sculpture. The direction in my work is dynamic and raku firing these sculptural forms is the next step for where the work will carry me. The Nostalgia of Route 66 is also a subject matter for a different line of my work. I enjoy the painting on the clay as if it were the canvass.

Describe any work you do that promotes “clay community.”

This year is my first year with NMPCA and it has been great! I am a member of International Ceramic Artist (ICAN) which has great information and ideas. NCECA is another organization I have been a member of for many years as an educator and continue to support.

When you are not working in your studio, what do you enjoy?

I enjoy being out in nature either camping, driving, or walking. I also shoot pool, fish, and spend time with family.

Do you play music in your studio? If yes, what do you listen to?

Yes! Music in my environment is instrumental (no pun intended) in the atmosphere of my studio. I have eclectic tastes in music as it fills the space for me where silence once was. I love the music from the 60’s on up whether rock n’ roll, country, bluegrass, jazz. Not really into polka, disco, or most hip hop. My newest likes in music are Charlie Crockett and Lukas Nelson.

What other pottery do you have in your home?

My wife and I have a collection of story tellers from Acoma Pueblo. We have a Jemez Pueblo wedding vase, and many pieces from Oaxaca, Mexico.

What caused you to join NMPCA?

After teaching art for many many years, I wanted to express my ideas with my own art in my retirement years. NMPCA is a great avenue to meet like-minded artists and share ideas and stories.

Describe involvement with NMPCA, and how many years you have been involved.

This is my first year with the NMPCA. The Silver City exhibit in the spring and the people I met there was a great experience. Then recently, the 50th Anniversary Celebration was inspiring and an honor for me to have been a part. I look forward to the future with the NMPCA.

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John Weber has a Studio Tour Page on this website. His own website is https://www.johnweberstudio.com/