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Wandering the turquoise trail to meet New Mexico artist Jarrett West

Wandering the turquoise trail to meet New Mexico artist Jarrett West

While wandering the Turquoise trail on a trip to New Mexico, I traveled up the road and followed the signs …So happy to discover artist Jarrett West and his studio tucked up into a hill like a creative oasis in the desert sun.  Jarrett was so warm and invited us to come inside and take a look.
 
You are greeted to the outside with a sculpture garden of his work.  Jarrett's work as a sculptor is impressive and at the same time very approachable with pieces of modern art designed to live long among nature. You can immediately recognize he is an artist who lives his life and work as one.  After talking with Jarrett you can see his studio is very connected to him as he hand built it using straw bale and stone techniques that inspire his work.  Jarrett makes each piece of pottery with the spirit of care and strength.  I felt most inspired behind the scenes at work in progress taking a glimpse of collected art, photos and relics around the studio that tell their own story. The artisan studio is filled with creative energy and his relaxed way makes you want to linger...
Having grown up in the West on ranches you can see Jarrett's affinity in working with his hands. He uses a traditional treadle wheel with many of the pieces altered after throwing to develop the form further. Jarrett is obviously connected to nature and his artisan life on the turquoise trail. He hand built the outdoor kiln which is an outstanding sculpture on it's own.  And the stoneware pottery is all high fired in the outdoor kiln with each given unique glazes- so no two are alike and all are one of a kind.  That's definitely a perfect match for us at FOUND&MADE.  The pottery vessels are like little sculptures with each carrying his original makers mark impressed into the piece.  And we especially like how some of the pieces carry treasures he finds while wandering the New Mexico trails.  Like pieces of driftwood or stones that speak to him, he pairs up with each piece of pottery to capture a moment in time. 

We are so happy to offer a select grouping of Jarrett West pottery on the website. We hope you enjoy as much as we do, for days to come.  

 

Jarrett West in studio - FOUND&MADE

studio artist Jarrett West New Mexico

Outdoor Hand built Kiln - Jarrett West New Mexico - FOUND&MADE

Jarrett West pottery in his New Mexico studio - FOUND&MADE

 

Jarret West studio

Stoneware Relic Jar Jarrett West - FOUND&MADE

Studio details Jarrett Weststudio relics new mexico artist Jarrett West

Artisan Laid Back Chic with Jo Abellera of KKIBO

Artisan Laid Back Chic with Jo Abellera of KKIBO

I really believe in synchronicity.  You know when something happens for a reason.  Or in this case where one thing leads to another!  I had the pleasure to meet the lovely Jo Abellera of KKIBO in a macrame weaving workshop she hosted in Los Angeles.  As well as being a standout artisan and designer she's an inspiring teacher!  The class was so much fun meeting other like minded creative women.  And especially seeing what everyone made that was so original all with the same techniques.  Traditional macrame usually relies on pattern - Jo really encouraged a more freeform and organic approach that helped everyone get into their own creative flow!  I came home very inspired to create more.  And that's how we got started working together!  

Later on I met Jo at her Los Angeles studio, at the time, to talk about what would feel right for FOUND&MADE.  Inspired by all of her hand dyed creations, hand knotted market bags and gorgeous line of knitwear.  Jo has an effortless chic style that you can really see come through in her craft.  

The walls were keepers of design sketches and childhood drawings from her daughter.  Photographs, collected treasures and original designs to inspire...

We talked about what was starting up at FOUND&MADE and what we like to offer being what we love for our home.  Inspired by a West Coast relaxed vibe, we had a vision for this to be the overall look and feel.  In a laid back chic kind of way.   

I shared our story and how we are very drawn to being in nature and wandering to find the next place to discover.  So Jo and I collaborated on the color palette feeling like washed out shades of terra cotta and blues like the ocean and earthiness of the wet clay of the sand.  A little bit of color thats so wearable for everyday. 

Jo's approach to textiles has a modern way about it that feels right for today. And her sense of fashion and design gives everything that influence.

She approaches her work with an inspired artisan's eye, much the way a sculptor might work clay.  All of Jo's designs use natural fibers like wool, alpaca, jute and rope. They transform into work that has both individuality and an easy, sensual beauty. 

KKIBO is named after the Japanese word for HOPE.  

We are so happy to have Jo Abellera and KKIBO as a featured artist at FOUND&MADE. We hope you enjoy for days to come.