"A marriage of two great art forms"
Artists Elizabeth Rothwell
and Potter Bob Crosthwaite
Summer in the Colorado Rockies and Winter in Mexico by the Sea of Cortez
Liz and Bob have traveled to Mexico by bus, train, airplane and finally driving with a small travel trailer in tow.
Represented here are photographs of their work, their travels together and their love of life.
We created this website for the purpose of sharing our experience with friends.
Please Enjoy!
You may contact us by email at: travelsinmexico@gmail.com
A kiln full of jugs
The Nature of Clay
Common ordinary clay is the most abundant and yet extraordinary material on earth. Experiments have shown that ordinary clay from the earth, when struck will store energy and release it later as light. Earthquake faulting, volcanic eruptions, even the grinding of glaciers against rock can excite clay and cause it to store and transfer energy; which quite possibly could be the very origin of life on earth.
From a potter’s perspective clay is most definitely alive; an understanding of the nature of the materials and how they work together is essential, as each element that goes into the making of a clay body and glaze worthy of firing is there for a reason. When we wedge the clay to prepare for working, we excite the molecules, remove trapped air and even out the moisture. The clay then feels lively, responsive and reacts to every gesture.
Fire changes everything and changes it forever.
The Potter’s kiln is the result of a precise science; storing energy as heat, vitrifying and making each piece colorful, permanent and culturally significant.
One could say. that when you have a unique piece of pottery in your hands, what you are holding represents thousands of years of art and culture, history and humanity, and perhaps the essence of the potter as well.
Common ordinary clay is the most abundant and yet extraordinary material on earth. Experiments have shown that ordinary clay from the earth, when struck will store energy and release it later as light. Earthquake faulting, volcanic eruptions, even the grinding of glaciers against rock can excite clay and cause it to store and transfer energy; which quite possibly could be the very origin of life on earth.
From a potter’s perspective clay is most definitely alive; an understanding of the nature of the materials and how they work together is essential, as each element that goes into the making of a clay body and glaze worthy of firing is there for a reason. When we wedge the clay to prepare for working, we excite the molecules, remove trapped air and even out the moisture. The clay then feels lively, responsive and reacts to every gesture.
Fire changes everything and changes it forever.
The Potter’s kiln is the result of a precise science; storing energy as heat, vitrifying and making each piece colorful, permanent and culturally significant.
One could say. that when you have a unique piece of pottery in your hands, what you are holding represents thousands of years of art and culture, history and humanity, and perhaps the essence of the potter as well.
Click on photo to begin slide show
Colorado Slideshow
Colorado Rocky Mountains
Arkansas River Valley, Salida, Twin Lakes, Aspen, Breckenridge,
San Luis Valley, San Juans and the Sanre de Christo Mountains
Click on photos to enlarge, see dimensions and values
Wildlife Artworks
Paintings and Pottery
A collection of work seen in their gallery
in Salida Colorado 1998 to 2006.
Click on photo to begin slide show
Mexico Slideshow
Adventures in Mexico
Lakeside Chapala, Ajijic, Puerto Vallarta, Melaque,
Barra de Navidad, Cordoba, Veracruz, Coscomatepec,
El Fuerte, Chihuahua, Guaymas, San Carlos, Santa Ana and more
Travels stories in Mexico
Click on photo to open links
Mexico Links
Ojo del Lago/Lake Chapala Magazine
Mexico Guru/Travel Adventure
Loma Del Mar San Carlos Trailer Club
Click on photo to begin slide show
