This is an exceptional new jar by Tammy Garcia.  The piece has a contemporary shape with a wide shoulder and elongated neck.  The jar has two large medallions on each side.  The medallions are surrounded by elaborately carved “frames” with polished flower motifs.  On one side is a nude, polished in tan, reclining on a rug.  In front of her is a large olla with a carved Pueblo bird. The bird is polished in red.  The opposite side has another medallion which has a jar carved into the clay and a polished Mimbres style deer as the design.  Surrounding the carved imagery are areas of stippled designs. The 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.  Separating the two medallions are large areas which are carved deeply into the clay and are surrounded by carved and polished flowers.  Note the extensive carving and use of a variety of textures to enhance the design. On one side, on top of the shoulder, is a single inset piece of turquoise. It is this stone which gives the jar its name, “Blue Jewel”.  The jar speaks to Tammy’s love of Native jewelry, women who come to the Southwest to visit and have Native culture become an integral part of their lives.  She says it is a tribute to those who become aware of Native culture and spread their of the art to the world.  It is the feeling of intimacy between art and collector that finds its voice in this large jar.  Tammy has won numerous awards for her pottery and 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.  Yes. Ten!  Yet each piece is unique and expands on her distinctive style and voice in the clay.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay.