Kiote Clay Pottery

Robert Hughes is a solo artist working
from his studio in Prescott, Arizona. He
has been working with clay for over 30
years. He started his studio, Kiote Clay
Pottery, in 1992. Prior to that, he worked
as a production potter in Southern
California for 15 years. He shows regularly
at art shows across the Southwest and has
his work in several galleries.

"I design most of my own glazes and use a
variety of decoration techniques that I have
learned over the years including over-glaze,
engobes, matte glazes, sgraffito, wax resist,
carving, and incising."

"Since I work alone, all my pottery reflects
my personal creative nature and my high
personal standards."

"Most of my designs are inspired by nature
and the desert Southwest. I start with a
lump of clay and an idea . . . working
through the many stages, I finish with a
piece that you can use and enjoy for
years."

"I fire most of my pottery pieces in an electric or gas kiln, but some art
pieces are fired in the sagger kiln with wood. I build all the pottery, either
by throwing on the wheel, hand building, or a combination of the two. I
use various types of clay to achieve different finished affects - color
variations, texture, and durability - depending on the piece."

Making pottery is a creative process of design, but it also requires a lot of
hard work. Working the clay is physical and days are filled mixing and
applying the glazes, loading the kiln, packing boxes for orders, or loading
the truck for an art show.

"I still look forward to going into the studio after all these years. Just the
smell of the clay brings back good memories of time I have spent making
pottery. I try to keep a positive state of mind while I work so that each
piece I make is imprinted with good energy."