Jaymes Dudding is a Rio Rancho potter with ties to a gallery in nearby Jemez Springs. 

How did you first get interested in clay? 

I enrolled in a course of Hand-building at UNM taught by Carl Paak. I had found my medium!   I followed Hand-building class with Pottery on the Wheel, advanced Ceramics, and eventually a Clay Studio concentration.  I took ceramic classes from Carl Paak in the mid sixties. I also studied with Professor Dick Evans. He greatly expanded my understanding of the unlimited possibilities of clay. 

"Prepping for the Deer Dinner" ceramic. 22”h x 18”w.    Photo by the artist. 

Describe your studio. 

My in-home studio is a converted meat-cutting shop that was my father’s. It had concrete floors, a built-in sink and cabinets for storage. I added my vintage gear-driven potter’s wheel, sculpture stand, and wedging table when I moved home to New Mexico after 28 years of teaching Ceramics at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. 

"Crow" Red clay, clay slips. 14”h x 9”w. Photo by the artist. 

Describe your “work.”

Most of my work begins on the potter’s wheel. I throw large cylinders and then stretch, paddle, and stack them together to form the concept in my mind and the sketches I have drawn. Usually, this becomes one of my many goddesses. I also enjoy creating a wide variety of birds, animals, and sometimes functional ceramic ware. I decorate them with carved textures, colored slips, acrylic paint, and gold leaf.  

 

“Mother”, red mica clay, 14”ha 9”w. Photo by the artist.

 

“Ceremonial Vessel “ red mica clay. 23”h x 12” w. Photo by the artist.

“Serpent Mother” stoneware, slips and gold leaf. 34”h x 26”w.    Photo by the artist.

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

I still enjoy doing demonstrations and lectures whenever I can. I show my art at Jemez Fine Art Gallery in Jemez Springs, NM. 

“Trophy Trout” custom urn, red mica clay, slips. 12”h x 8”w. Photo by the artist.

“Mountain Spirits Dance”, stoneware and acrylics, 18”w x 5”h. Photo by the artist.  

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

My wife and I love to travel. We’ve enjoyed visiting the cultures of Greece, Spain, Mexico, Belize and most recently Ireland. 

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

Yes, I always have music playing when I’m working. I listen to a wide variety of music from classic rock, jazz, Blues, and classical. 

What other pottery do you have in your home? 

I have been collecting Native American pottery for many years. 

What caused you to join NMPCA? Describe involvement with NMPCA, and how many years you have been involved. 

I joined NMPCA two years ago because I needed more opportunities to meet pottery people and become more involved with the New Mexico clay Community. 

“Arch of Gaia”, stoneware 15’ h x 9’w. By Jaymes Dudding.