On view beginning December 4, Adobe Gallery presents a series of historic and contemporary Cochiti clay figurines that tell the stories of the artists’ tribes and traditions. Some of these figurines—their expressive faces brought to life through various pigments—stand alone, while others come accompanied by other miniature figures surrounding them. 
Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti), Antelope Dancer Storyteller (detail), clay and pigments, 12 x 8 x 9"
“Cochiti Pueblo potters have been making pottery figurines in various styles since the late 1800s,” gallery owner Alexander E. Anthony Jr. explains. “In 1964, Helen Cordero began creating what would become known as storyteller figurines. These seated human figures, with open mouths and children clinging to their bodies, paid tribute to her pueblo’s history of oral tradition. Today, Virgil Ortiz and other Cochiti potters continue creating figurines using the same materials and methods as Cordero and her predecessors.”
Helen Cordero (Cochiti, 1915-1994), Storyteller Figurine with Many Children, clay and pigments, 10½ x 7 x 10"
Ivan Lewis (Cochiti, 1919-2001), Opera Singer Figurine, clay and pigments, 12 x 6"
Collectors can browse and explore the works of such artists as the aforementioned Cordero and Ortiz, as well as Ivan Lewis, son of famed Acoma potter Lucy M. Lewis, and dozens of others. “These contemporary works range in style from traditional to boundary-pushing,” says Anthony. “This exhibit will…[provide] a comprehensive look at the evolution of Cochiti Pueblo figurative pottery.”
Tradition and Innovation in Cochiti Figurative Pottery will remain on view at Adobe Gallery on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico, through January 30.
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