The talents of powerhouse potters Kaa Folwell and Stephanie Tafoya complement one another in their sleek forms, vivid color and dynamic designs, all telling stories of their Santa Clara culture. The two artists will showcase works side by side at a new King Galleries show, Tewa Voices, at its Santa Fe, New Mexico, location.
Kaa Folwell (Santa Clara), Graffiti Lightning, jar, Native clay and acrylic
“Every piece I create has a story behind it that is inspired by experiences and culture. For me, this particular exhibition Tewa Voices is a message of two Santa Clara Pueblo families coming together to carry on these sacred traditions passed on to us: family, food, pottery, dancing and language,” says Tafoya. “It’s so important to know where we come from and continue the legacy passed down to us as Native American women and young artists.”
Stephanie Tafoya (Santa Clara), Autumn Leaves, Native clay, traditionally fired
Folwell’s designs are a blend of graffiti art and classic Santa Clara designs—a nod toward old and new. “If clay has taught me anything it’s that you can’t ever set your designs in stone because the clay/pot will ultimately have the final say on works and what doesn’t,” she says. “I am hoping to have strong visuals of traditional shapes with contemporary imagery on the pots as well as possibly having contemporary shapes with traditional design. A lot of my work thrives off the duality of traditional and modern.”
Kaa Folwell (Santa Clara), Lightning Jar, Native clay and acrylic
Tafoya adds, “Kaa and I...come from two families with historic strength of matriarchs who have paved the path for us today.” Folwell is a granddaughter of Jody Folwell, and Tafoya a great-granddaughter of Margaret Tafoya. Folwell says, “With Stephanie and
I, we are really the only active young Santa Clara Pueblo women who are trying to carry on these pottery legacies.”
Stephanie Tafoya (Santa Clara), Gourd Jar, Native clay, traditionally-fired
Folwell’s pottery moves into a more contemporary realm, while Tafoya’s holds fast to the traditional. “We have similar messages with completely different execution styles, [and] I think that’s why we compliment each other so well,” says Tafoya. “In creating works of art in clay, it allows our voices to be heard.”
Tewa Voices will be on view December 4 through 11.
King Galleries
December 4-11, 2021
130 Lincoln Avenue, Suite D, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(480) 440-3912, www.kinggalleries.com
Powered by Froala Editor
