Steve Lucas
Nataska
3" H
x 5 3/4" D
Steve Lucas is the great -grandson
of Nampeyo, grandson of Rachel Namingha Nampeyo and brother of
Karen Lucas. He is recognized as one of the premier Hopi potters
of today for his outstanding and innovative art work.
He consistently wins blue
ribbons and recently won best of pottery at the Santa Fe Indian
Market. His works are created in the traditional ways of Hopi
potters and of his great-great grandmother Nampeyo.
Steve uses all natural clays
to hand coil his pottery, natural pigments to create designs
and outdoor firing to give his art the wonderful blush that adds
much so beauty.
Most of his designs are based
on old Sikyatki shards that he studies for inspiration. Steve's
work is precise, finely detailed, nearly perfect in symmetry.
Once again, this piece is
an abstract work for Steve who has been exploring this style
and experimenting with new design techniques that are opening
up a whole new interpretive/creative avenue for him.
The Nataska is the "Uncle"
kachina who appears during the Soyoko ceremony with the other
Ogre kachinas to administer discipline to errant boys and girls.
If they have not prepared an offering for the kachinas, then
a relative must step in to prevent the child from being taken
by the Ogres.
This particular piece has
great balance and nice lines. The sharp angles are indicative
of the charateristics of the Ogre figures.
Steve has signed with his
hallmark mudhead, or koyemsi, along with an ear of corn
for his great-grandmother, Nampeyo.