Transforming Earth into Art
Using equal parts archaeology and artistry, Patricia Jahla transforms soft, malleable clay into the ringing hardness of fired work.
Gallery
Prizes and Kind Words
My work has been honored at the Chaffee Arts Open Awards Show featuring over 100 pieces of art created by 53 local artists. Award-winning sculptures are available for purchase. You can also read what my kind friends say about my work.
Like clay in the potter’s hand…
Digging my own clay, while laborious, is another connection with the earth that provides my materials. Explore the slow, contemplative coiling process and the firing methods that are like a gift from God out of the kiln.
Prior Work
Ascendant
Description Ascendant was a huge surprise when I took it out of the kiln. No two ways about it, those are angel wings reaching from the foot to the lid! They resulted from a lock of white horse tail hair wrapped in a figure-8 around the body of the piece. Also used...
Rift Valley
Description Rift Valley is oval in every direction. It’s oval vertically, from the side, and in cross section, as well as the throat. A fun challenge to build! As is all my work, it is hand-built using the native clay I dig from the Laramie formation. So, is the Rift...
Tsunami
Description Tsunami gives one the feeling of immersion in very deep water, with big strings of kelp, lots of bubbles and the sensation of a huge rolling wave on the sides. I particularly like the visual play between the “water elements” and the sandstone reds and...