This unique bowl by Christopher Youngblood combines modern and traditional imagery.  This bowl is a unique shape with a oval form. The shape is difficult to make, but works nicely for carving the melon ribs to extends across the surface at different angles.  Each rib is deeply carved into the clay, and then polished.  Note how one side has an “s” swirl of ribs, with a sharp edge, while the opposite side has a longer swirl of the design.  Joining the variations in the ribs on the edge is difficult but Chris handles it with strength through his carving.  After the carving the bowl is stone polished to achieve the high shine.  It is traditionally fired and it is a deep, rich black.  He remains one of the young potters to watch, especially after his 2014 “Best of Pottery” award at Santa Fe Indian Market!