Excitement abounds for the annual King Galleries Indian Market Show, with this year seeing 16 prominent Native American artists presenting new pottery works. Gallery owner Charles S. King has created an environment in which collectors can meet the artists and view these fresh pieces. The 2024 edition, titled Ascendance, promises to yield a visually stunning experience.
Jeff Suina (Cochiti Pueblo), Pyre, native clay
“The Indian Market Show is unique [in that each] gallery artist creates pieces [specifically] for the event,” says King. “The creativity and innovation of each of these artists has made them a leader in Native arts. Seeing their work together in one room is an opportunity to view the bold and vibrant future of Native art.”
Utilizing traditional and contemporary methods, Cochiti Pueblo artist Jeff Suina features work like Pyre, exemplifying the artist’s distinct style, often involving exploratory shapes. When asked what he considers to be important elements to his work, he says: “Geometry, evolution and legacy. Geometry because they have become fundamental building blocks of my style. Evolution because I am compelled to go beyond and into unknown combinations of form and design. Legacy because that is the grounding element that acknowledges the rich art history of Cochiti Pueblo and the artists that came before me.”
Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo), Dragonfly Prayers, native clay
Les Namingha (Hopi-Tewa/Zuni), Bright Space, native clay
Suina also shares that Pyre was one of the first pieces where he slowed down and took time to study the endless geometric combinations “that were possible from the base (which is a unique polygon),” he says. “Pyre is influenced by the concept of string theory and the idea of infinite dimensions beyond what we’ve known as X, Y and Z. These dimensions exist at the subatomic scale and are called strings. They interact and vibrate to create ‘music.’ As Pyre was nearing completion, I noticed the shape looked like flames of a pyre.”
Al Qöywayama (Hopi), Tuu-Kwi, architectural jar, native clay
Renowned Santa Clara Pueblo potter Tammy Garcia, who employs “stories” and carved and textured designs, will also have work in the show, bringing visitors incredible work like Dragonfly Prayers. Garcia utilizes native clay from Kha’P’o Owinge (Santa Clara Pueblo). “Once harvested, it’s processed over time with fine screen impurities, like plant roots and small rocks removed,” she explains of her process. “Volcanic ash is added as temper. This gives clay strength. Each pot is coil built. I learned the process and this method from my mother and grandmothers. I’ll design a drawing on the pot with a pencil, then carve out areas of clay using various metal hand tools. Texture is added, separating levels and design. Clay slips add color and burnishing with a smooth stone adds shine.”
Nancy Youngblood (Santa Clara Pueblo), 32-Rib Swirl Melon Bowl, native clay
As for the inspiration behind Dragonfly Prayers, Garcia notes that both of her grandmothers are in her thoughts when creating. “[They were] courageous and bold with clay and in life,” she says. “Dragonfly Prayers is dedicated to them.”
Additional works to watch for in the 2024 Indian Market Show: Ascendance include Al Qöyawayma’s intricate sculptured relief Tuu-Kwi; Les Namingha’s Bright Space, illustrating his use of modern surface design and color; Nancy Youngblood’s 32-Rib Swirl Melon Bowl; and Dolores Curran’s On the River’s Edge, a black fired vessel often called “poly-tonal” for the variations of black and gray.
Dolores Curran (Santa Clara Pueblo), On the River’s Edge, native clay
The show will open Friday, August 16, from 3 to 5 p.m. Other artists in attendance include Stephanie Tafoya (Santa Clara Pueblo), Daniel Begay (Diné), Jared Tso (Diné), Autumn Borts-Medlock (Santa Clara Pueblo), Steve Lucas (Hopi-Tewa), Chase Kahwinhut Earles (Caddo), Nathan Youngblood (Santa Clara Pueblo) and Stephanie Tafoya (Santa Clara Pueblo), among others.
King Galleries
August 16, 2024
130 Lincoln Avenue, Suite D, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(480) 440-3912, www.kinggalleries.com
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