Aragon, Ralph – Traditional Zia Bowl with Star Designs (1980s)

Ralph Aragon (1944-2025) was from San Felipe Pueblo but married Joan Gachupin (Zia).  He learned to make pottery from his mother-in-law, Candelaria Gachupin.  He was a brother-in-law to Dora Tse-Pe.  Ralph created his own style of painted pottery.  His designs employ a wide array of symbols, sometimes drawing from ancient rock art.  He also uses a spatter technique reminiscent of Joe Herrera.  However, this is an early piece of his pottery in a classic Zia style. There are plant and star designs painted with native clays.  It is signed, “R. A.”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

“Ralph Aragon transcends his success as an easel painter by also painting pottery in his own unique way.  His pots are easily recognizable.  He uses bold colors and ancient designs to create fine art pieces that look both ancient and modern simultaneously.  He is a true artist in his constant innovations, developing a myriad of variations on Southwest Indian pottery.”  Schaaf, 2002