Susan Folwell is known for her use of contemporary and creative imagery on her pottery.  The piece is part of her “pop art” series. and entitled, “1988”.  It is three pieces made from white micaceous clay to create “sunglasses”.  The heart shape “lenses” are attached to a clay piece.  The design is painted after the firing.  There is a reflection of one of Susan’s frequently used figures standing in front of the Pueblo.  She is firing her “broken heart”.  As Susan reflected, is she the heartbreaker or heartbroken? Her innovative style of painting and pottery forms continues to break barriers within the Pueblo pottery world.  The piece is signed on the back, “Susan Folwell”.

“I’ve always been fascinated with Pop art and it has found a voice in my clay art over the past several decades.  I recently started to immerse myself in the Pulp fiction illustrations from the 1940-70 era.  I was surprised how it created an extension from recent series inspired by the Taos Society of Artists “Taos Light” series.  The Taos Artists’ pieces were more “romantic” in mood and lighting. My current Pulp and Pop series has a harder edge, in lighting, form, and design.  There is a new perspective and a personal challenge to entwine Pueblo and Social commentary into the world of pulp art!”

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Folwell, Susan (b.1970)

Susan Folwell

Susan Folwell is one of the exciting innovators in Pueblo pottery.  Her work is native clay and inspired by traditional designs, but she continually experimented with techniques and clays.  Susan is Jody Folwell's daughter and Polly Rose Folwell's sister.  She has won numerous awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Indian Market.  In addition, she has been featured in several books, including "NDN," "Free Spirit," and others. Susan said, "My earliest recollection is that my mother gave me a ball of clay.  I decided I wanted to make a snake.  It was a long, flat tube.  She said it has to have some character if you want people to be interested in it.  I said I thought it had enough character.  She said no, so she bent the tube and made it into an "S," and she pinched the nose.  I cried for an hour as she pinched the nose, and I thought it was now a worm; she swore it was still a snake.  In the end, I was thrilled because it sold for $2.  I was hooked after that."

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