Mary Witkop is a self-taught potter who combines ancient techniques and styles from the pre-Columbian Americas with modern technology and materials to produce her unique pottery. It is hand built by the coil method. No wheel or mold is used. It is not glazed. The glossy finish is achieved by hours of burnishing by hand with a smooth pebble prior to firing. Her methods were slowly developed through diligence and accident.

The basic color of the clay is due to mineral content. Mary uses different kinds of clay from different places and each type has its own unique response. The pots are burnished, using a fine mineral slip. The shades of the finished pots reflect the colors of the New Mexico countryside. To achieve the carbon staining, organic matter ( smoke, sawdust, hair, corn silk, feathers and pine needles ) are allowed to contact the pot during firing. Mary often fires pots four or five times to get the special result that she is looking for.

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