This is an exceptional large jar by Susan Folwell and her mother, Jody Folwell.  Susan is one of the exciting innovators in Pueblo pottery.  This piece is part of her series, “Taos Light: Pueblo Perspectives”.  Beginning in 2017, Susan Folwell began a series of clay pieces inspired by and re-interpreting the Taos Society of Artists’ work from 1915-27.

The jar was made and polished by Jody Folwell.  She burnished the piece and painted on the red clay mountain design along with the riders on the horses.  Susan painted a large panel, which is inspired by a Victor Higgins painting, “Apaches”.  The panel captures the essence of Higgins work.   Surrounding the rest of the piece are Apache Playing Cards (see photo of cards).  They are each different and cascade across the surface. Susan says of this piece:

“This jar was made by my mother, Jody Folwell.  The imagery is inspired by a Victor Higgins painting entitled, “Apaches”.  That led me to use imagery of the actual Apache playing cards.  A friend wrote a book on Apache Playing cards.  These have a fascinating history as they were inspired by Spanish Playing cards as early as 1581, while most we see today were made in the late 1800’s”.

As for the Apache playing cards, they have a fascinating history.  Click here to read more about the playing cards.  The complement of design, form, color, and story make this a visually dynamic jar.  It is signed on the bottom by Susan Folwell and Jody Folwell.

Susan Folwell: Taos Light / Pueblo Perspectives