I can't begin to tell you
how thrilled we are with some of Mark's most recent works. The
shape, size, and scope of his designs continue to impress.
This elaborate piece is no
exception. Mark has outdone himself by combining traditional
designs with abstract themes. His images are balanced yet asymmetrical.
The "cube" at the
forefront of the piece, highly detailed with super fine lines,
represents a window into eternity - as the illusion of the design
seems to take you deeper and deeper into the pot. On either side
are sentinels set there to guard this sacred space.
A vast array of traditional
and abstract designs appear in multi-colored slips, including
a new medium in mica. This is truly a unique and special piece.
Well known throughout the
Pueblo Pottery world as one-of-the-best, Mark Tahbo continues
to create innovative and inspiring works of art through his traditional
clay mediums. Never afraid of pushing the envelope, Mark continues
to try new approaches and themes in pottery making.
His anchor and influence is
his cultural heritage - rich in tradition. He endeavors to remain
close to his ancestors through expressing his love and thanks
for their teachings with every piece. He is not limited in his
imaginative work, but always remains close to his roots. His
potteries nearly always tell a story and convey a moral or message
through symbols. Even the lack of "design" is a design
all its own - saying something about people, space, and time.
The work of Mark Tahbo is
deeply influenced by his Hopi-Tewa ancestry. He is predominantly
Tewa, and has been an active potter since 1978. He is the great-grandchild
of noted potter Grace Chapella. Today, he is among the leaders
of the Hopi-Tewa potters.
His work is featured in nearly
every major gallery and museum featuring Pueblo pottery. He appears
in Gregory Schaff's publication, Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist
Biographies (p. 158), as well as Rick Dillingham's Fourteen
Families in Pueblo Pottery (p. 8), and Jerry & Lois Jacka's
Art of the Hopi (p. 70).
He has taken numerous ribbons,
including first place and best of show, at major venues like
the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum's Annual Indian
Fair.
