About — Sheena Montane

Artist Profile:

Vermont is a sacred landscape, an oasis in the desert of consumerism and materialism (and plastic). A land where folk are hardy, independent, bleed maple syrup, and value stewardship as a sacred troth. We have pride of place, and far more trees than people. To see black bear walking up the road in autumn, barred owl diving for a mouse outside the window in winter, and lynx sunbathing in the meadow in high summer, rather than the concrete and steel of industrial malaise, is a blessing, a treasure that must be protected. We country mice honor the history and traditions of our nation, and as rural America continues to shrink, it is up to us to hold fast the wisdom and skills of our pioneering ancestors.

In contemporary America we put our children in boxes and call them schools, while we place our elderly in boxes and call them homes, and in this we have broken the continuity of generation so vital to the soul. We are biologically wired to be attached and close to our people all of our lives. What else is the point?

With this philosophy in mind, I homeschooled both of my children through high school, following a classical education model and curriculum I developed myself. My daughter graduated from an honor’s uni and has moved back to Vermont to become an entrepreneur, while my son embraces the foundation of roots.

I strive to live a quiet, contemplative life in harmony with nature, and I am proud to be a creator rather than a consumer. I not only throw pots, but also paint in watercolor, am a classical sculptor in both clay and marble, design fiber arts and quilts, play the fiddle, have created and taught successful workshops and clubs, including a Scottish/Irish trad music session, and have run an organic homestead for fifteen years, in which I grow much of my own food, medicine, and flowers. In my time with livestock I worked towards developing a new breed of sheep, butchered my own chickens, and performed emergency surgery on ducks. They lived. I have since pared the farming down to fruit, veg, flowers, and a few ducks and chickens, which allows me ample time to devote to art, beauty, and truth.

Being a part of the staggering history of pottery making is both humbling and thrilling. Almost twenty years ago I discovered in ceramics the challenge to make art that is both consummate in its function and beautiful in its form. I get to be an archaeologist, geologist, mad chemist, and sculptor, and I never tire of playing with mud. Being faithful to the pursuit of mastery means that I mix all of my own glazes, test for fit, stability, and most importantly, non-toxicity. Focusing on non-toxicity limits my color palette, but it does not limit my imagination for forms and decoration. I work with a mid-fire stoneware clay body, which means that the clay fires vitreous and durable closer to high-fire, but I am able to maintain vibrant colors similar to low-fire earthenware. I find this balance suits my nature.

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Resume:

Sheena Montane, born 1977 in San Diego County, California. Currently living and working in Vermont.

Education:

2000-2004 studied art education at ACC, CCV.

2004-2006 studied Bachelor of Arts, UVM.

2006-2008 Ceramic and sculptural workshops, including The Carving Studio in West Rutland, Vermont.

2023, Anna Mason’s school of realistic watercolor.

Experience/Exhibits:

2000-2006 volunteer art instruction with local schools

Art educator from 2006 – 2016

2007, Fall Festival, Williston, Vermont