"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Pottery Demonstration to be Given

VINITA, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation Cultural Resource Center will be sponsoring a pottery presentation by Cherokee artist Jane Osti, hosted by the Vinnie Ream Cultural Center and Vinita Indian Territory Coalition, from 6-8 p.m, Thursday, September 21, 2006, at the Vinnie Ream Cultural Center, located at 1110 W. Canadian in Vinita. The event is free to the public.

Since 1991, Osti has been making traditional Southeastern Woodland/Mound builders inspired pottery, as well as contemporary woodland style earthenware and Raku pottery. Osti creates clay sculpture and slab built masks, platters and shields inspired by Woodland arts and artifacts. The images usually depict abstract animals, landscape and nature, with symbols of endurance, protection and celestial activity. In 2005, she was designated a Living Treasure and Master Craftsman by the Cherokee Nation.

Osti’s pottery is coil built and decorated by incising or cutting the design into the clay or glazed for Raku firing. The pottery is wood fired or kiln fired or both, depending on the clay and the desired final outcome.

According to Osti, her pottery career began in Tahlequah at Northeastern State University. She then met Cherokee potter Anna Mitchell, who introduced her to traditional Cherokee pottery. She learned the basics of coil building and wood firing. In 1993, she studied with John Reeve from the Barnard Leach school of pottery of London, England.

“I have been blessed to have had such wonderful teachers, whose inspiration, knowledge and creativity have given me a diverse and powerful connection to clay," Osti said.

Since 1991, Osti has presented many exhibits in museum shows and Indian markets. She currently resides and operates her studio in Tahlequah, OK. For more information, visit Jane Osti.com.