Sanchez, Russell – Gunmetal Fired Bear with Turquoise (2026)
$ 6,800.00
Russell Sanchez is known for his clay bears. This bear is coil-built and stone polished. It was fired to a silvery gunmetal. The back and the inside of the legs are etched with an angular mountain designs. There are four inset turquoise stones on the back of the bear, which are surrounded by etched mountain designs. Across the back of the bear are inset rows of turquoise and hematite hei-shi beads. The bear also has diamond eyes! 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
What does gunmetal firing mean? Its when a piece of pottery is fired very high and instead of just turning black, it turns a silvery, metallic coloration. Russell is one of the only potters working today who can achieve this coloration through firing as it is risky that the intense heat will crack the pottery.
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 iconic!
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Russell Sanchez is known for his clay bears. This bear is coil-built and stone polished. It was fired to a gunmetal black and then two-toned sienna on the back. The bear is etched with a heartline. Across the back are 10 square turquoise stones that are inset after the firing. There are two more turquoise stones inset for the eyes. 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. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. Simply iconic!
