When we saw Mark last, we
were especially excited to receive this unique and innovative
vessel. There truly are many facets to Mark Tahbo. As he explained,
this piece is titled "Jackson Polacca" in reference
to the great abstract painter Jackson Pollock. It wasn't until
after Mark finished the piece that Pollock's work was
mentioned - and the comparison seemed obvious, so the name stuck.
Still we think that Mark's
version is fittingly named, since Mark's family is from the village
of Polacca, at First Mesa.
There is just something great
about this piece. Perhaps it is Mark's unflinching nature expressed
through the spattered lines, or maybe it is the delicate balance
of color on the canvas of clay. Whatever it is, we're sure it
possesses that unique quality that all can appreciate.
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 time, people, and place.
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.
