Gwen Tafoya
Santa Clara Pueblo

Fluttering Flowers

5.5" H x 5.75" D

I have seen a fair amount of beautiful pottery by Gwen Tafoya over the years - but the two pieces we recently acquired are on a completely different level. It's hard to fully appreciate the extra fine quality from these photos - but believe me when I tell you, the polish and shine on these new works is second to none. They really glow. Easily her best work yet - both in terms of glossy polish and also the carefully carved sgraffito designs which cover the entire surface of the pot.

Price: $1,050.00
(plus sh/han)


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Artist Bio:

Gwen Tafoya was born in 1965 into the Santa Clara Pueblo. She began experimenting with pottery making at the age of 6. She started out hand coiling small bowls and pots, using traditional methods.

Gwen began making larger pieces of pottery by the time she reached the age of 16, and eventually would etch on the pottery steadily. She was inspired to make pottery by her mother, Mary Agnes Tafoya.

She taught Gwen all the fundamentals of hand coiling traditional Santa Clara Pottery. Gwen specializes in hand coiling the traditional Santa Clara pottery, carved and etched by her. She gathers her natural pigments from within the hills of the Santa Clara Pueblo. Gwen cleans, mixes, hand coils, shapes, polishes, and fires her pottery, outdoors with horse manure.

She especially likes to make seed pots because she has more room to etch her favorite designs of hummingbirds or flowers on the top of the pottery. Gwen also has a special part in her heart for the wedding vase because of its meaning. Gwen signs her pottery as “Gwen Tafoya”.

Gwen is related to the following artists: Angela Baca (aunt), Madeline Naranjo (aunt), Belen Tapia (aunt),Tina Garcia, Greg Garcia, Virgie Garcia, and Paul Speckled Rock (cousins).

Awards:
-1994 Gallup Best of show
-1995 Pasadena CA Best of show
-1995 & 1996 (2) 2nd place at Eighth Northern
Arts and Crafts
-1995 & 1996 1st place New Mexico State Fair

Publications:
-Pueblo Indian Pottery 750 Artist Biographies

 

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