Vicki in Sri Lanka Ceramics Studio

On Sri Lanka's busy streets, colorful wardrobes abound.

And the vibrant hues are matched by traditional ceramic ware.

Handmade ceramic urns, masterly carved.

Outside of the capital, Colombo, nestled behind this Biyagama junction, 
resides an active community of traditional potters. 

A potter trims and refines a tall urn he made on the potter's wheel.

Carving a traditional design into the clay urn.

Individual urns dry before being fired. 

An unfired carved ceramic urn. 

The ancient traditional ceramic forms continue to be taught at the village's training center,

housed under the tropical foliage.

Here I was fortunate to teach Sri Lankans who share my passion for clay, 

and are eager to learn new techniques from a guest. 

They were filled with questions, receptive and appreciative of my stay with them.

All of the countless potters in the village were keen to share their techniques with me, 
and made me feel at home from the first moment I arrived. 

The village has been the site of clay production for hundreds of years, 
with one generation passing down skills to younger members.

A local red stone called Guru, is ground, mixed with clay,  and applied to unfired pieces.

The brushed on Guru, is often carved into when dry to the touch,  
to create traditional design signatures of the red-hued Biyagama ceramics. 

Dry work is fired, generally in outdoor, wood-fueled kilns.

These unglazed, fired pieces are works of art and utility, sold throughout the country, 
and always identified as Biyagama traditional pottery. 

Vietnam Faces, Vicki meets people outside the clay studio.

Vietnam's urban and rural landscapes teem with vibrant color;  its people exude warmth and vitality. 

A Red Dao woman returning home in the terraced rice fields in Northern Vietnam.

 Women selling chili peppers in Lung Phin's weekly market.

Sewing peppers together at the Lung Phin market. 

Shopping for weekly staples, no time to remove one's motorcycle helmet.

Off to the market, child sleeping comfortably.

Gathering firewood with a trusty motorbike in Northern Rice Terraces.

A Hanoi hat salesman during a slow moment amidst his display.

Well protected from the sun, with hat, gloves, and long sleeves, a fruit vendor ambles through the capital. 

A human beauty among impressive ceramic works.

Dexterous hands at work,  creating iconic lanterns in Hoi An.

No shortage of ripe, colorful fruits for sale.

Any place is good for an outdoor haircut. 

A woman harvesting rice in the fields, outside Hue.

Hauling away the load.

A deep soul near his farm outside Hoi An.

A welcoming fish vendor in the Mekong Delta. 

Selling varieties of rice.

A rope vendor patiently awaiting a sale and having a smoke.

Greeting the day exercising by Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.

Enjoying early morning laugh therapy.

A balloon vendor barely visible amidst her goods.

A quiet moment, as a monk performs prayer rituals in a monastery outside Hue. 

Making the ubiquitous conical sun hats. 

Preparing to play another round at the mall in Hue. 

Catching up on the news.

Filling a custom order. 

Scouring for the choice avocado.

Spring rolls for sale, individually made with caring hands and a special family recipe.

Tastiest spring rolls ever, served fresh and with a smile.