APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY

This clay based apprenticeship will be based around Mucuy’s desire to be able to mix her own glazes and experiment confidently with new recipes by learning the John Reeves’ method of analyzing raw materials. She also wants to build her own raku kiln and dive deeper into concepts of firing methods and processes. Other goals will focus on refining Mucuy’s throwing techniques, being able to create even larger pieces by throwing in sections and improving the line and overall harmony of her shapes.

MENTOR

Richard Foye (South Newfane, VT)

Richard began making pottery as stoneware at University of Vermont. Museum visits induced him to try porcelain, a translucent clay body which is almost glass. During the 70s raku became very popular, so he evolved into this method as it gave his forms more elegant shapes and spectacular colors.
Richard uses materials gathered from nature to create the smoky atmosphere within the canisters which receive the pots after their removal from his kiln. This cooling cycle draws oxygen from the glaze to create flame patterned designs upon the glaze surfaces which imparts a timeless quality to his shapes.

“I gave a weekend raku workshop at a local collective studio. Mucuy was a participant there and I noted how well she executed her wheel work. A few months later she asked to come learn some more raku technique. Her enthusiasm and the amazing Mayan inspired designs she carves in her pieces convinced me invite her to do some work with me. So I did not really choose her; we chose each other.” – Richard Foye

APPRENTICE

Mucuy Bolles (Brattleboro, VT)

Mucuy’s multicultural upbringing and life as a dancer has led her to dream of capturing movement, time, sound, and memory in clay. While inscribing hieroglyphs, she imagines she is breathing life into a mysterious past and lifting the veil between herself and the original scribes who wrote the same words centuries before. Mucuy strives to create a piece where movement, sound, and culture merge into a balanced whole, and ancient knowledge can be reborn through a new vision in the present. Whether the piece ends up with an overt indigenous identity or a simpler essence of motifs, she hopes to infuse her work with the mysterious playfulness of my Mayan ancestors.

“Richard Foye and I have been developing a relationship since August 2021. I recognize in him a work ethic, philosophy, and approach which mirrors my own. His ingenuity and wealth of knowledge is inspiring. His teaching skills are remarkable. I think what he has to teach me is aligned with the path I wish to pursue for my work and the vision I have for its potential.” – Mucuy Bolles