Please enjoy watching the interview Lisa Walton did with me recently as part of her Artist Stories series. I discuses all that goes into making one of my national park quilts.

                            
Vicki Conley, Pinon Pottery

"It has been the best career possible---doing what I love"

My love for art began as a youngster. I explored papier-mâché, macramé, pastels, painting, stitchery and whatever else I could do with my hands. Art education seemed the route I would pursue until the ninth grade when an exceptional science teacher opened my eyes and heart to another direction. For the next eleven years I followed the dream of science to a Masters of Science degree in Physiology and subsequently worked in medical research. When my husband and I started our family, I quit work and enrolled in a pottery class. What began as a hobby grew steadily into a full time business. I established Pinon Pottery in 1982 with a home studio and in 2000 opened my studio/gallery, Pinon Pottery.

It has been the best career possible, allowing me to be an at-home mom who could be involved with scouts, home schooling, church and sport activities for our two girls, while at the same time developing a business doing what I love - throwing pots.  My pottery is primarily functional, reduction stoneware that is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. A mat blue glaze with a hand painted flower design has been a very successful pattern for many years, but my most popular pattern has a soft airbrushed, blue and white background with hummingbirds. Among fifty or so functional items are some unique pieces including a French butter crock, an egg separator, and microwave bacon cookers.

In 2003 I discovered quilting – beginning with foundation pieced wall hangings.  After making a few traditional quilts, I started designing my own quilts and art quilts. I enjoy learning new techniques and  using them to develop a quilt.  My inspiration is taken from the natural world and I enjoy interpreting it both realistically and abstract.

I have recently retired from 40 years as a studio potter. I still own the gallery in Ruidoso Downs where I sell my work. I've been an fiber artist for about 20 years and am now also exploring surface pattern design. My work is strongly influenced by hiking and traveling  through our national and state parks. My husband and I now travel extensively in our RV with our three dogs always looking for the next inspiration. 

Pinon Pottery Studio and Gallery is located 3 miles east of the Wall-Mart stoplight on Hwy. 70, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico.

To see Vicki’s Artist Resume, click here

I am a Juried Artist Member of Studio Art Quilt Associates and serve as the regional rep for the New Mexico region.

I am also the founding member of 4 Common Corners artist group

Click below to watch me talk about my quilt from Quilt National ‘17