Levi West

Levi West is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He is an emerging traditional and contemporary Cherokee potter using coil and slab techniques for his work. He began making pottery two years ago after taking a class offered by renowned Cherokee artist Tara McCoy. West knows the traditional process of harvesting, processing, and firing his own clay. He uses multiple firing methods and prefers poplar wood and reduction techniques to achieve color variations. Drawing inspiration from those before him, West likes to put a modern twist on old designs, like incorporating Roxie Stampers “Road to Soco” textile design into clay. Inspiration also comes from experimenting and pushing the boundaries of the definition of Cherokee pottery. West is a member of the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual and his work is currently featured in the Disruption exhibit at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.