Lonewolf, Joseph – Grizzly Cub and 12 Butterflies Seedpot (1984)
$ 2,800.00
Beginning in the early 1970’s, Joseph Lonewolf revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs. This seedpot is from 1984. The seedpot is fully polished and then etched with design. There is a single grizzly cub on one side. It is surrounded by twelve butterflies. Each butterfly is different and note how one has landed on the cub’s paw! On the opposite side is an etched and colorful bear paw track. There are also swirling feather designs extending up from the base. It is a very tightly etched seedpot, reflecting Joseph’s skill and precision in design and detail. There are green, white, red, and blue clay slips added for additional color. The seedpot has a medallion with a rainbow, which is the yearly symbol for 1984. The precision of the designs and the shine of the polished surface create a perfect balance. This piece is in perfect condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is signed, “Joseph Lonewolf”.
In stock
Beginning in the early 1970’s, Joseph Lonewolf revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs. This seedpot is from 1984. The seedpot is fully polished and then etched with design. There is a single grizzly cub on one side. It is surrounded by twelve butterflies. Each butterfly is different and note how one has landed on the cub’s paw! On the opposite side is an etched and colorful bear paw track. There are also swirling feather designs extending up from the base. It is a very tightly etched seedpot, reflecting Joseph’s skill and precision in design and detail. There are green, white, red, and blue clay slips added for additional color. The seedpot has a medallion with a rainbow, which is the yearly symbol for 1984. The precision of the designs and the shine of the polished surface create a perfect balance. This piece is in perfect condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is signed, “Joseph Lonewolf”.
Brand
Lonewolf, Joseph (1932-2014)
Joseph Lonewolf
Joseph Lonewolf was a son of noted potters Camilio and Agapita Tafoya and the brother of Grace Medicine Flower. In the early 1970s, Joseph revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs in his work.
When Joseph and his family gather clay, they do it with the utmost respect. Before the clay can be taken from Mother Earth, they must say a prayer, asking to take the clay and tell the clay mother that they will take her and make her into a beautiful pot. The clay is brought home, and water is added to turn the clay into a liquid form known as slip. The slip is then strained to take out any rocks or debris, and then the clay can be dried, kneaded, and used.
Joseph was awarded numerous awards throughout his career, and his work can be found in museums worldwide. He has been featured in multiple books, including "The Art of Clay." He received the prestigious New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2009 and the SWAIA Lifetime Achievement Award.