Thomas Tapia is from Tesuque Pueblo. His grandfather was Tomás Vigil, an early Tesuque painter and his mother was Terry Tapia, a noted Tesuque potter.  Tapia was encouraged and mentored by Santa Clara artist Pablita Velarde, who saw and liked Tapia’s work at one of his early Santa Fe Indian Market booth exhibitions. Velarde encouraged Tapia to continue working in the traditional “flat” style.  Thomas is known for his paintings, but has recently begun making pottery. Each piece is made from native clay and made from native clay slips.  This bowl is round and has the back edge carved in the shape of a fish.  Thomas then painted the fish as the design on the bowl.  The style of his painting is classic!  The piece is signed, “Thomas Tapia”.