Noreen Simplicio
Zuni Pueblo
Zuni Village
Olla
9" H
x 8 1/2" D
Noreen Simplicio digs her
clay from the traditional Zuni clay beds, processes the clay
to a plastic form, coils, forms and polishes her work using traditional
methods, and makes her own paint pigments that are fired on the
ware.
Noreen shares her own story:
"Like many others, I
had my first lesson in pottery making in 1977, here at the local
High School in Zuni Pueblo. Classes were instructed by Jennie
Laate, an Acoma woman.
"After High School, I
started in an Apprenticeship with noted clay sculptor, Angelina
Medina. Angelina inspired me to further develop my skills and
venture into the increasingly competitive world of pueblo pottery.
"My unique pottery forms
are characterized by a distinctive delicacy of design that combines
traditional Zuni pottery symbols with contemporary design elements
of my own creations. I make great use of fine line, and of bird
and animal symbols. The scenes depicted on my work often stress
the Universal Harmony that should be maintained among all living
things. I specialize in miniatures, bowls, seed-bowls with lizards
and vases sculptured with scenes of ancient pueblo dwellings
that are fully detailed with tiny figures of pueblo inhabitants.
"In February of 1988,
I entered my very first competitive Art Show in Palm Springs,
California. There I experienced the thrill of receiving an Award
of Excellence for my work, and of selling virtually all of my
creations directly to the public.
"My second show was the
All Zuni Artist Show at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff.
In May of 1989, of the six pieces that I placed in competition,
four were awarded First Place blue ribbons, one received second,
and one received third.
"In August of 1988 I
was featured as a new artist at the 67th Annual Indian Market
in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I have a growing list of major art awards.
"In January of 1990,
I took over for the teacher who had first taught me the basics
of pottery making at the Zuni High School. Since then, my work
has been very successful."
