Qoyawayma, Al – “Path of Life” Wide Jar with Pueblo Wall (2010)
$ 4,500.00
This wide-shoulder jar by Al Qoyawayma is entitled “Path of Life”. The jar is coil-built and stone polished with mauve-colored clay. There is a raised section with a “T” doorway and carved wall. Al said of this piece:
“The “Path of Life” is an important piece. It is based on the shapes of low-shouldered Sikyatki pieces (family Coyote Clan ancient site). The jar has a slope from top to bottom which is the “path”. Based on the concept of life experience there is a Tee-shaped doorway. This is a powerful piece. In my lectures featuring this piece, I ask the viewers if they can recall when they last walked through the doorway of their childhood home front door, or graduation from a university, etc., any important doorway that has an emotional memory or a change in life path.”
The jar has both an ancient and modern feel to the shape and design. On the wall, Al etches and then paints all the “bricks” that make up the buildings! They are then painted with various clay slips for gentle color variations. It isn’t just the size that is so exceptional on this piece, but the coloration and note the reflection of the wall on the polished area! Stunning! Al’s architectural pieces are among his most iconic works. The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, ” Al Qoyawayma”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
Out of stock
This wide-shoulder jar by Al Qoyawayma is entitled “Path of Life”. The jar is coil-built and stone polished with mauve-colored clay. There is a raised section with a “T” doorway and carved wall. Al said of this piece:
“The “Path of Life” is an important piece. It is based on the shapes of low-shouldered Sikyatki pieces (family Coyote Clan ancient site). The jar has a slope from top to bottom which is the “path”. Based on the concept of life experience there is a Tee-shaped doorway. This is a powerful piece. In my lectures featuring this piece, I ask the viewers if they can recall when they last walked through the doorway of their childhood home front door, or graduation from a university, etc., any important doorway that has an emotional memory or a change in life path.”
The jar has both an ancient and modern feel to the shape and design. On the wall, Al etches and then paints all the “bricks” that make up the buildings! They are then painted with various clay slips for gentle color variations. It isn’t just the size that is so exceptional on this piece, but the coloration and note the reflection of the wall on the polished area! Stunning! Al’s architectural pieces are among his most iconic works. The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, ” Al Qoyawayma”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
Brand
Qoyawayma, Al (b. 1938)
Al Qoyawayma
Al Qoyawayma has created two distinctive styles of Hopi pottery. The first style embodies figurative sculpted reliefs using the repousse technique, combined with traditional coil construction and tactile stone polished surfaces. The resulting contemporary Hopi pottery calls forth images of the Southwest with its subtle mix of desert hues, creating an interplay of light and shadow reminiscent of the Hopi land. This land and the essence of his ancient relatives nurture and inspire the artist.
The second is polychrome and a "futuristic" version of Sikyatki pottery from the 1500s. The pieces are carved and slipped with various clay colors. The precision of the carving and the contrasting colors make this style visually dynamic.
Al writes of himself:
"I am of the second generation of Hopi beyond the broken pattern, a pattern, a way of life utterly foreign to the western world. With the real influence of western civilization, I am the product of two worlds. Out of our family clan, the Coyote Clan, it was said that we would be the generation to meet the new world and make a change that was our ancient role as the Coyote Clan….to be those who go before. Therefore, it is only natural that one of our necessary survival skills, as exhibited by our ancestors, should be adapted to today's art world. Through the gentle hand and guidance of a beautiful teacher, my aunt Polingaysi, I learned the basic techniques and philosophy I now use in my pottery creations.
My clay creations reflect the southwest environment's aesthetic influences and values passed down through our family. Form, textures, contrasts, shadow, and the softness of desert color hues are foremost in my work. Oral history and research provide me with emerging themes; identifying who we are is a profound pursuit. At the same time, my repoussé technique offers a "contemporary" style of ceramics. A particular tradition does not restrict me; I'm free to innovate. I find myself trying to "reach" in my creative pursuit as I strive to bring into focus human and spiritual things beyond my reach. Creativity will always be my challenge."
Al Qoyawayma won "Best of Pottery" at the 2016 Santa Fe Indian Market and "Best of Pottery" at the 2017 Heard Indian Market.