Carrie Lind

Artist Biography

In the tradition of Cherokee potters and my ancestors, I study and create Southeast/Woodland hand-built pottery. Using clay I find on my Cherokee allotment in White Oak, Oklahoma and hometown of Vinita, I hand-process the clay that I use to make my pottery. With it, I hand coil, build, and open fire process my work. My pots reflect my Cherokee and Shawnee ancestry and draw inspiration from the techniques of my teachers and mentors, including Cherokee National Treasure Victoria Mitchell Vazquez, well-known Wendat potter Richard Zane Smith, Shawnee potter Gary Henson, and Cherokee National Treasure Jane Osti. I work from my home in Vinita, Oklahoma, where I live with my seventeen year old-daughter, Hadley.

Artist Statements

Foot Effigy Pipe

This foot effigy pipe is a homage to the traditions of the Southeastern Woodland culture, built from hand-dug, locally sourced clay. Drawing inspiration from ancient effigy pieces unearthed from mound sites, this work embodies both form and function, inviting viewers to contemplate the spiritual and social narratives of its origin. Natural clay connects us directly to the earth and echoes the traditions of those who shaped these artifacts long ago. Through this piece, I aim to bridge the past and present, honoring the stories imbedded in the clay and encouraging a dialogue about cultural heritage and continuity.

Vessel

The vessel was created from locally sourced clay, hand-dug and shaped, featuring a spiral design at it's center. Sifted wood ashes from previous fires were used as a smoke resist to create the spiral design, and then it was fired in an open wood fire. Ancestrally, these types of vessels were used for carrying water. The unique design of the stirrup handles and spout, which is used to pour from, are ancient technologies to prevent evaporation when in high elevations. This piece invites contemplation on our relationship with water, urging us to consider sustainable practices to honor the relevance of water historically, presently, and in the future.