Garcia, Tammy – “Pueblo Water Bearer and Bear” Large Canteen with Ribbons

7.5"long x 3.5"w x 10"h

$ 16,000.00

This is a series of three canteens made by Tammy Garcia and inspired by the women of the Pueblo.  Each is a different size and the shape allows for amazing use of design space.  This is the largest of the three canteens in the series.  It was featured in the Native Art Magazine article on Tammy and Autumn Borts (see last photos).  The piece has a Santa Clara Pueblo woman with a traditional bear paw water jar on her head.  Check out the frame, which is carved with numerous flowers of various clay colors!  On the side there are small and large carved flowers.  The opposite side has a large heartline bear as the design.  Amazing detail and time-consuming!  The top has flowers and plants carved into the clay.  Note the stippling surrounding the designs.  Stippling is a process by which the clay surface is punctured over and over to create a texture.  It is a striking contrast to the polished and matte surfaces.  The canteen is a complex combination of designs, textures, and imagery.  It is signed on the bottom “Tammy Garcia 2022”.  The piece has ribbons from the 2022 Gallup Ceremonials.  Tammy has won numerous awards for her pottery and has been the recipient of the New Mexico Governor’s award.  It’s not surprising that with the intricate nature of her pottery she makes only about ten pieces of pottery a year.  Yet each piece is unique and expands on her distinctive style and voice in the clay.

Tammy says of her designs:

“What has intrigued me about pottery is the stories present in the designs.  You will often see animals or plants depcited. These were important to the makers.  When it comes time for me design a piece, I reflect on what is important to me.  I found that pottery in any style is a source for inspiration.  I take inspiration from the Pueblo potters of the past and the serenity of their art that lasts over centuries.”