Meet the Kiln Building Crew

Levi West

Levi West (Eastern Band Cherokee), an emerging traditional and contemporary Cherokee potter, employs coil and slab techniques in his work. West is a student of the renowned Cherokee artist Tara McCoy and has learned all aspects of the art form. Under her tutelage, West has gained insight into the traditional process of harvesting, processing, and firing his own clay. He uses multiple firing methods, preferring poplar and pine wood with reduction techniques to achieve color variations. Drawing inspiration from those innovative artisans that came before him, West enjoys bringing a modern sensibility to older or more traditionally regarded Cherokee designs and patterns. He also derives inspiration from experimentation and reimagining the boundaries of what is considered Cherokee pottery.

Levi is a member of the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, and his work is currently featured at the Center for Craft in Asheville, NC, and in the This Land Calls Us Home exhibit at Emory University.

“The kiln for me is an important step forward in Cherokee pottery. It allows us to make functional pottery while still using the traditional aspects of wood and fire. More importantly, it will take a community to fire it. We will work together to care for each other and the firing like we would have traditionally. I hope that group dynamic and mindset continues to grow with this kiln project.”

Levi is available for demonstrations, commission pieces, and art shows. Contact him on Instagram @j_l_west or email dewacreations@gmail.com

Louise Deroualle

Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Louise Deroualle moved to the U.S. in 2013 to pursue a Master’s degree in Ceramics at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She is currently a Lecturer of Art at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. Before moving to North Carolina, Louise was the Studio Coordinator of Ceramics at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado. She exhibits nationally and has received competitive residencies and fellowships, including the Roswell Artist-in-Residency and The Aspen Art Museum Fellowship.

“I am very excited to be a part of this collaborative community effort of building a wood kiln in Cherokee. Through its process I am not only further learning and developing my own personal skills, I am also building new relationships and broadening my understanding of new perspectives and needs. I feel a sense of purpose by contributing to something larger than myself and helping build a tool that can promote education and empowerment of the Cherokee artistic community.”

Matt West

With a background in sculpture and metalwork, Matt West has been a vital part of this project, using his skills and experience to help build the kiln.

Matt was born on Long Island, New York. His family moved and traveled the country before settling in the Piedmont of North Carolina. He received a BFA from The University of North Carolina Asheville and an MFA from Clemson University. For ten years, Matt and Joey Manson operated Silver Creek Studio, where they created one-of-a-kind ornamental ironwork and fabricated sculptures for other artists. Matt has taught at The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts, Furman University, and is currently a Lecturer and Studio Technician for The University of North Carolina Asheville.

“I am very fortunate to be part of this community project, having the opportunity to meet and work alongside great people. I am also excited to see how local artisans will use this new tool in their creative process and the artwork they will produce.”