Pahponee’s Kickapoo name, Pahponee translates into “Snow Woman.” She is a self-taught clay artist who has re-learned the traditional pottery methods of her Woodland Culture as well as learning contemporary pottery making techniques.
Pahponee’s inspiration to learn about pottery making came from a life changing experience. “I was taken to see a White Buffalo mother and her White Buffalo calf. White Buffalo are sacred to Native people. It was an auspicious occasion to be in their presence.” After their meeting, Pahponee had a dream about a White Buffalo pottery vessel. “I would keep dreaming this one specific pot and other beautiful pots, but I didn’t know how to make them.”
Pahponee spent years experimenting with hand dug clay and commercial clay as well as primitive outdoor dung firing and contemporary kiln firing. “The first several years were rough, until I began to develop a better understanding of the rhythm of earth, water, fire and air.” Her experimentation and research has resulted in technical excellence in clay properties, tools, hand building, and firing techniques. Mastering several pottery techniques has provided the platform for Pahponee to create distinctive pottery that expresses her own personal style and innovative spirit. “By working with clay from a variety of locations, I have learned that all clay is sacred and alive. Whether it is hand dug or purchased commercially, working with clay is a sacred activity for me. This involves personal interaction between clay, myself, and as Native people say, All My Relations.”
Her pottery continues to be inspired by her dreams, personal life experiences, and is still being guided by the White Buffalo. “When I work on my pots, the rest of the world falls away. It is like being in a dream where each pot tells me its story.” Today, Pahponee is one of the top Native American potters. She is recognized by peers and continues to receive awards from nationally juried shows. She continues to experiment with new techniques always striving for excellence in her work.
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