Alfred Blea was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His family has been here for many generations. Nomadic by nature, Spirit guided him to Master potter Felipe Ortega in La Madera, New Mexico in 2011. Unbeknownst to him, pottery class began that Sunday; thus his relationship with Clay Mother commenced. Alfred was living in Oregon at the time, and had traveled many paths from the military, to massage therepy, to becoming a chef and Japanese knife marker. Every summer thereafter, Alfred returned to share studio space at Felipe's and cook for his many guests, students and devotees, while learning alongside his “maestro”.
Felipe Ortega guided and helped his technique through the years.
Alfred harvests, mixes, builds and finishes every micaceous clay piece he creates– a respectful process of the Jicarilla Apache tradition. His attention to detail, concepts and presence with Clay Mother have deepened his presence that he practices in his daily life. He thoroughly enjoys every step from start to finish in the process with Clay Mother. Alfred is honored to walk the path amongst the great potters of New Mexico. In 2013 Alfred entered Spanish Market in Santa Fe and won Best of Show New Artist and has won awards there every year since for his beautiful Mica Clay pottery. He has work in the Spanich Colonial Arts Museum.
He moved his family back to New Mexico in 2013.
