Authenticity is perfection at Lyn A. Fox Fine Pueblo Pottery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is the traditional spirit of the gallery that aims to empower collectors and showgoers to take on an enlightening perspective of works they see and collect. That authentic spirit will be celebrated during two exciting August events at the gallery.
Zuni polychrome dough bowl, ca. 1880s, 15"
Manuel Denet Chavarria (Hopi), Hopi Pahlikmana Katsina, 12½"
The first, Pueblo Pottery Utilitarian Food Bowls: 1880s-1940s, will display a variety of traditional bowls, including small chile bowls, serving bowls and large dough bowls from Acoma, Ohkay Owingeh/San Juan, Zia, Cochiti, Zuni and Kewa/Santo Domingo pueblos. All the fascinating works in this grouping were made for use and necessity, telling a story that captures the beauty of wear and tear passed on through the decades, celebrating their imperfections and the timelessness they possess. “It makes you grateful,” says gallery owner Lyn A. Fox, who marvels at how generation after generation cared for these bowls, calling it “an endless web of kindness.”
The gallery will also host award-winning Hopi carver Manuel Denet Chavarria. The artist will not only be presenting collectors and spectators with new works but also offering a rare opportunity to watch his unique carving style in a demonstration. The opportunity will introduce a fresh perspective on where this extraordinary art comes from in a tangible and exciting way for collectors.
Fox, who has been working with Chavarria for many years, feels privileged to work with him and his unmistakable talent as a carver and storyteller. “I just asked him because I know he’s interested in people understanding traditional Hopi art, and [he wants] customers and collectors and gallery owners like me to not misinterpret the nature of this art.”
Chavarria has been carving since he was 10 years old and has been making katsina dolls professionally since 1989. He sometimes will think about his pieces for years, planning how to make them work. What makes his carvings stand out is the fact that he does not shy away from flawed wood, or “junk wood” which started out of necessity to create traditional yet innovative works.
San Juan/Ohkay Owingeh large dough bowl, ca. 1880s, 9½ x 17"
Manuel Denet Chavarria (Hopi), Hopi Sheep Couple, 12½"
The show will be a masterful insight into the process of katsina carving. When asked what part of the demonstration he’s most excited about, Chavarria says, “I love meeting the new customers, new people that are just finding out about it and it’s just so amazing to see their reactions and just see their happiness and things that your art brings to them.”
Pueblo Pottery Utilitarian Food Bowls: 1880s-1940s opens August 5 and continues through September 15, with a reception on August 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. Chavarria’s solo show will be held August 18, from 2 to 4 p.m.
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