I learned of earthen plasters right around the turn of the century. I fell in love with the beauty of a plaster I had created out of necessity, which sparkled at night under lamp light. Though my heart was heavy then, my spirit was soothed. Knowing I had created this beautiful thing myself was so empowering. Did I mention the beauty? I carried the sensation like a treasure.

In retrospect, I guess the simplicity reminded me of the time I had spent in Nepal, from 1989-91. I was only ten, but I still vividly remember how these people, who’s infants’ lives sometimes depended only on hydration through salt-sugar-water, were the happiest people I had ever seen. Their eyes shone with — something joyful. Simplicity = happy. Happy = beautiful life. These are the equations I took away from that country.

After that first experience with earthen plaster — beauty made from a little sand from the arroyo, clay from the land, broken car window glass that was just in the way — I sensed that simple beauty could be had in anybody’s dwelling. It was so easy, and everyone deserves to feel deeply comforted, especially in their own home. Although I returned to university to graduate in Japanese Language and Literature, my main interest lied in absorbing everything I could about this way of building which I learned was called “natural building” — using natural and/or recycled materials as the bulk of a structure’s building materials, and most often using clay-based plasters as wall finishes.

I learned much before being hired to teach English in Toyama, Japan… Read More