Rich "Pop's" Lopez   My love with clay started in third grade. I still have the first piece of pottery I made back in 1965. As I recall, my first designs had Native American decorations on them, just like the ones I make now. Then in high school I started making pots on the potters wheel. My art teacher spent a lot of extra time with me and showed me how to do many things with clay. After high school I didn't touch clay for at least 30 years. On Christmas day, 2002, my life made a wonderful change in direction. My wife bought me an electric wheel and 8 bags of clay. Throwing my first piece after 30 years was like riding a bike. I knew at that moment I wanted to make art with clay for a living. All the bags of clay were made into pots or bowls that day. Six months later I was selling my pots in Palm Springs, California at the Thursday night street fair. I believe my art is truly blessed by the hand of God. The work I do is from my heart and soul. Each piece of work is a recording of who I am, how I feel and think. A piece of me goes into every pot I make. And,just like me, my art is constantly changing. My Native American designs are a blend of traditional and modern art. In April, 2003, a large bowl with a local California tribe design was purchased by an old man who turned out to be a chief from this tribe. Before he left he blessed my work and told me that Mother Earth was pleased with my art. I am a blessed man. I have made my art my occupation full time. The healing power of art has helped me overcome many physical problems. On this Father's day, 2006, I will be clean and sober for 3 years. God has once again given me a new life with the dust of the earth. I know God has blessed the journey I am now on and I intend to express it through my art. Site designed and maintained by Wayne Wood 1.951.849.8744 Entire site Copyright 2006 by Rich Lopez. eMail Pop's Pottery