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Sanchez, Russell – Black and Sienna Bear with Hei-Shi Beads (1970s)
4" long x 3"h
$ 1,400.00
Russell Sanchez is known for his clay bears. This bear is a very early bear that is coil-built and stone-polished. Note how he even polished the inside of the bear’s legs! It was fired and then two-toned sienna on the back. There are three rows of hei-shi beads, two are shell and one is turquoise. The bear is signed, “Russell”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. As Russell has said
“I’m a traditionalist all the way through. Innovation is part of our tradition. You use the same materials and tools that you have, and the same design elements, and the Clay Mother will come through you for what she wants you to do,” he explains. “Instead of doing the same cloud pattern or serpent pattern, you take that and make it your own. So, in fact, everything I’m doing is old, but new.” Russell Sanchez, Southwest Art Magazine
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Description
Russell Sanchez is known for his clay bears. This bear is a very early bear that is coil-built and stone-polished. Note how he even polished the inside of the bear’s legs! It was fired and then two-toned sienna on the back. There are three rows of hei-shi beads, two are shell and one is turquoise. The bear is signed, “Russell”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
toa gunmetal black and then two-toned sienna on the back. The inside of the bear legs are matte. The piece has 73 inset pieces of turquoise. Note as well that the bear is coil-built and even the head is hollow, which is unique among potters who make clay bears. As Russell has said
“I’m a traditionalist all the way through. Innovation is part of our tradition. You use the same materials and tools that you have, and the same design elements, and the Clay Mother will come through you for what she wants you to do,” he explains. “Instead of doing the same cloud pattern or serpent pattern, you take that and make it your own. So, in fact, everything I’m doing is old, but new.” Russell Sanchez, Southwest Art Magazine
This bear is a stunning example of how the history and culture of San Ildefonso Pueblo are modernized in concept in his hands. The bear is signed on the bottom in the clay. Simply stunning!
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Russell Sanchez
Russell Sanchez (b. 1963) continues to be one of the master innovators in Pueblo pottery. He creates each piece perfectly hand-coiled, stone polished, then etched, inlaid, designed, and fired with traditional Native American pottery methods. Russell learned to make pottery from his great-aunt, noted potter and pottery matriarch Rose Gonzales (1900-1989.) He started making pottery at the early age of 12 years old on the San Ildefonso Pueblo.
Russell has received numerous awards and recognition for his pottery throughout his career, including such distinctions as 'Best of Division' at both the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Indian Market. In 2007, Native Peoples Magazine presented Russell's art in the feature article of the Fall issue. In 2011, Russell was awarded the exclusive 'Tony Da Award' for Pottery in Santa Fe. Russell recently received the 'New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in Art 2017. In 2019, he won "Best of Pottery" at Santa Fe Indian Market. At the same time, he was involved in a major exhibition of historic San Ildefonso pottery at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, NM. In 2022, he won Best of Pottery and Best of Show at the Santa Fe Indian Market. His work remains on a continued path of excellence and creativity.
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