Planet X Pottery: Nevada Desert Art That Turned a Remote Homestead into a Lasting Oasis

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Planet X's art remains an outworldly Nevada treasure

Planet X’s art remains an outworldly Nevada treasure – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)

Gerlach, Nevada – Decades ago, a potter seeking lower costs left California’s rising rents behind and settled on an old homestead in the Smoke Creek Desert. What began as a practical move to keep overhead low has grown into a 250-acre site with four galleries, a working studio, and a steady stream of visitors who leave with handmade pieces and lasting impressions. John Bogard and his wife Rachel have maintained the off-grid property as both home and creative hub, drawing people from around the world to this quiet stretch just off State Route 447.

How a Simple Rental Became a Desert Landmark

Bogard arrived in the early 1970s after a friend pointed him toward the property. At the time, the monthly rent stood at just $35, a sharp contrast to the $45 or $50 he had faced in Santa Cruz. The site offered an existing house, trees, and open land that allowed him to focus on his craft without constant financial pressure.

Over the years he purchased the homestead outright and expanded it using fire bricks and materials salvaged from a nearby gypsum plant. Kilns were built on site, followed by additional rustic structures that now serve as galleries and workspaces. The result is a self-contained compound where pottery production and landscape painting continue alongside daily life.

The Daily Rhythm of Creation and Quiet

Bogard has described his approach as…

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Author : Matthias Binder

Publish date : 2026-05-10 12:02:00

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