Nathan has created his own distinctive “polychrome” style of pottery with the use of the red, tan and buff surfaces on his pottery.  This large water jar is an elegant form with a round base and a slightly elongated neck.  The jar has is polished tan on the inside of the rim and the neck.  The neck is carved with eagle feathers while the shoulder is polished red and carved with an avanyu.  As the jar is turned the body of the avanyu consists of cloud and rain patterns.  Below the avanyu is a band of kiva step patterns.  The jar is traditionally fired and has a striking contrast between the deep red and the tan polished areas.  On his red and tan pieces, after they are fired, he uses screwdrivers to scrape the background area and the side of the carving.  This can take almost as much time as the carving or polishing itself!  The last photo shows Nathan using the screwdriver to scrape away against the clay from the carved edges and background.  Amazing the amount of time that goes into each vessel and yet how stunning they appear!