Jeff Suina (Cochiti), Shrine, native clay and slip.

Offering at least seven pieces for the show, Suina discusses how scale has impacted the direction of the new collection. “What use to be pieces that were, on average, 8 to 10 inches tall over the past three years, are now 14 to 17 inches high, and as a result, many more intricacies are now observable and the impact is dramatic,” the artist explains. “When the pieces were smaller, I never noticed the smaller elements or spaces. Now, because of the bigger size, the effects of the studio lighting projecting on them are considerable, the shadows cast are breathtaking and you can feel the physical presence of these pieces.”

 

 

Jeff Suina (Cochiti), Abalone, native clay and slip.Suina’s pieces also embody stories and themes that correlate to the title of the show. For his pot Shrine, which is the first of the series and stands at about 13 inches tall, the smallest of the group, Suina dives into culture and heritage. “In pueblo and Native American culture, there are many natural formations and sites that hold spiritual significance,” says Suina. “Some are even so visually striking that they looked like humans created them…There are lessons in these shrines and when I created this piece, I thought about the lessons I learned from Cochiti shrines and understood that within nature, there exists the greatest teachings of all.”

Additional pieces include Abalone, which is another acknowledgment of the “natural creativity of the universe, in particular mollusks, invertebrates, deep sea life and the infinite ways they take form,” says Suina. “I created this piece this summer after Cochiti Feast, when I saw the shelled dance paraphernalia on my [sons], who were dancing during the event.”

Stephanie Tafoya (Santa Clara), Blossom, native clay and slip.

Tafoya will showcase six pieces for the show, with a focus on portraying different aspects of nature, with pieces reserved for the artist’s well-known feather design. “Feathers have always been a significant part of Pueblo culture and are used throughout our dances and ceremonies,” shares Tafoya. “Having that special connection went even deeper when I adopted my African grey parrot, Beto. He has been my main inspiration when creating my pieces.”

In works like Blossom and A Flame of Feathers, the artist’s feather design comes to life. Tafoya also has created all the pieces in red, because when she thinks of nature as the theme, “I think of the natural color of the clay and the red slip,” she says. 

Stephanie Tafoya (Santa Clara), A Flame of Feathers, native clay and slip.

Tafoya continues, “I’m very drawn to nature and its beauty. In the past, I created pieces specifically with the four seasons in mind and have been excited to revisit that. Those pieces were early in my career, and I want to refine those ideas with my signature style applied. I have New Mexico and Arizona plant life in mind for this show, and that inspiration comes from King Galleries being located in both gorgeous places.”

Jeff Suina (Cochiti), Shrine, native clay and slip.

Opening January 30, 2025, Forces of Nature: The Clay Art of Stephanie Tafoya and Jeff Suina, promises to inspire and enlighten. It’s also the artists’ hope that you are “stunned” and “moved.” Suina says, “I desire to instill the sense of wonder, curiosity and awe to the collector because natural creativity instills these same things in me.” Tafoya adds, “It is my hope that collectors discover and appreciate the time, effort and passion we put into our pottery. It would be a success if everyone learned something new about the process of creating traditional Pueblo pottery…” 

King Galleries
Opens January 30, 2025
7077 E. Main Street, #20, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 481-0187, www.kinggalleries.com

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