Lonewolf, Joseph – “Tangled” Three Mimbres Lizards Seedpot (1986)
$ 1,500.00
Beginning in the early 1970’s, Joseph Lonewolf 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. This seedpot is from 1986. There are three Mimbres lizards on this piece. There are all tangled together, with either their bodies or tails intertwined. There is something whimsical about that! However, there is also a mastery of etching that creates depth and dimension in the clay! Check out the very delicate lines that are etched into the piece. On the side, there is one realistic butterfly inside a heart and also the yearly symbol for 1986 which is a heart. There are additional white and green clays for more color It is such a charming piece in person! The precision of the designs and the shine of the polished surface create a perfect balance. This piece is in perfect condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is signed on the bottom, “Joseph Lonewolf”
Deciphered: The Yearly Symbols of Joseph Lonewolf
In stock
Beginning in the early 1970’s, Joseph Lonewolf 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. This seedpot is from 1986. Let me start out, that there is something that just makes me smile at this piece. I’ve been looking at the designs, and I think it’s the eyes of the weasels! The double headed snake is has a lot of detail, and I like how it’s looking at all four of the weasels. It’s their big, round eyes and elongated bodies, that make them look a bit cartoonish, but also Mimbres. They are also etched with various designs. The back has a plant design. Below in the red is a lightly etched snake, along with a butterfly, and the yearly symbol. The piece has additional white, green, blue, and pink clays. The yearly symbol for 1986 is a heart. It is such a charming piece in person! The precision of the designs and the shine of the polished surface create a perfect balance. This piece is in perfect condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is signed on the bottom, “Joseph Lonewolf”
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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.