Elaine Biery

I grew up on a small farm in Perry, Iowa.  As a young child, I spent my time from morning to evening running through the creeks and cornfields of the countryside.  My childhood days inspired my love of nature.  Walking along the ditch banks in the North Valley of Albuquerque with its surrounding landscapes and wildlife has influenced my work.  Ravens seem to be appearing on more and more of my pots.

In 2003, there was a large fire in the bosque along the Rio Grande river not far from my house.  The fire destroyed acres of cottonwoods along the river.  Inspiration came from the charred remains of those magnificent trees.  Thus, was born the “bosque bowls”.  These are large bowls with cottonwood trees carved along the rim of the bowl.  In 2004, I exhibited my first bosque bowl in the Celebration of Clay in Albuquerque and won “Best of Show”.  In 2010, I won “Best of Show” in the Los Ranchos Studio Tour with one of my bosque bowls.

I am just beginning to master the use of crystalline glazes with their varying effects and unique color patterns.  My journey will continue in exploring the mysteries of crystalline glazes .  .  .   “there is still so much more to learn”.