Yucca Art Gallery
Debi Smith - Pottery
As a native New Mexican born in Albuquerque, I have a deep connection to my homeland. Joining the military out of high school and many duty stations later, including working on a master’s in art in 3D design, it took 36 years to make it back to the Land of Enchantment. As I retired from the government in 2022, while continuing to teach art part time, I have more time to focus on my passion to create with clay. I am inspired by the multicultural aspects and the sacred land of New Mexico. Primarily a clay artist, I love telling narratives with sculptures and organic shapes of my experiences and connections to earth and life itself. Life is fleeting and from time to time I capture in clay those subjects important to me. Through the shapes, textures and colors of my surrounding native land, I embrace the creation cycle from the raw earth to the finished piece. Vessels are organic in shape and might be finished with floral designs, Raku and Saggar treatments which mirror the landscape around us. Each vessel is focused on emergence, discovery and rebirth. It is through the openings (Sipapu) we emerge just as in the many beliefs from this sacred land. I am a member of New Mexico Clay and Pottery Artists and the New Mexico State Committee, National Museum of Women in the Arts.