Lonewolf, Joseph – “Rainbow Trout” Large Seedpot (1988)
$ 4,500.00
WOW! This is a large and very detailed seedpot by Joseph Lonewolf from 1988. It is round in shape and fully polished. The top of the seedpot has a realistic rainbow trout. Below the trout is a stylized trout. Separating them are four polished medallions, each with two realistic little flies that the fish are looking for. Behind the realistic trout are four rainbow bands in green. Below the stylized fish is a Flute Player and the feathers on its head are raised in the clay. Next to the Flute Player is a realistic butterfly. As the piece is turned there are two Mimbres-style fishermen trying to catch a fish. There are small, white butterflies and a fish jumping out of the water. Near the base is another realistic butterfly and a tiny Mimbres fish. For a piece this size, it is exceptional to see so many figures, both animal and human, as well as a variety of designs and etching techniques. All the etching and colors were added before the piece was fired. The colors are derived from natural clay slips. Lonewolf writes, “the butterflies denote beauty in simplicity”. There is the yearly symbol for 1988, which is a bear paw. It is signed on the bottom, “Joseph Lonewolf”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. The last photo is of a similar design on a piece by his son Greg Lonewolf, that was made about the same time. It is interesting to contrast to perspectives of a similar theme.
Deciphered: The Yearly Symbols of Joseph Lonewolf
In stock
WOW! This is a large and very detailed seedpot by Joseph Lonewolf from 1988. It is round in shape and fully polished. The top of the seedpot has a realistic rainbow trout. Below the trout is a stylized trout. Separating them are four polished medallions, each with two realistic little flies that the fish are looking for. Behind the realistic trout are four rainbow bands in green. Below the stylized fish is a Flute Player and the feathers on its head are raised in the clay. Next to the Flute Player is a realistic butterfly. As the piece is turned there are two Mimbres style fishermen trying to catch a fish. There are small, white butterflies and a fish jumping out of the water. Near the base is another realistic butterfly and a tiny Mimbres fish. For a piece this size, it is exceptional to see so many figures, both animal and human, as well as a variety of designs and etching techniques. All the etching and colors were added before the piece was fired. The colors are derived from natural clay slips. Lonewolf writes, “the butterflies denote beauty in simplicity”. There is the yearly symbol for 1988, which is a bear paw. It is signed on the bottom, “Joseph Lonewolf”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
Brand
Lonewolf, Joseph (1932-2014)
Joseph Lonewolf
Joseph Lonewolf was a son of noted potters Camilio and Agapita Tafoya and the brother of Grace Medicine Flower. In the early 1970s, Joseph revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs in his work.
When Joseph and his family gather clay, they do it with the utmost respect. Before the clay can be taken from Mother Earth, they must say a prayer, asking to take the clay and tell the clay mother that they will take her and make her into a beautiful pot. The clay is brought home, and water is added to turn the clay into a liquid form known as slip. The slip is then strained to take out any rocks or debris, and then the clay can be dried, kneaded, and used.
Joseph was awarded numerous awards throughout his career, and his work can be found in museums worldwide. He has been featured in multiple books, including "The Art of Clay." He received the prestigious New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2009 and the SWAIA Lifetime Achievement Award.