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Lucas, Steve - 12" Wide Moth Design Jar (2015) Ribbon
1 × $ 6,000.00
Artist Media Series
Living Artists
Historic
Small, Mary – Polychrome Bear with Turquoise (1990s)
8"long x 4"h
$ 800.00
This is a large clay bear by Mary Small. She was known for her traditional Jemez pottery. It is not just her painting that is distinctive, but the gray-colored clay that she uses is also distinctive in her pottery. This bear is fully painted with geometric designs across the entire surface. The eyes are inset with turquoise, and the back has a single, inset piece of turquoise. It is signed on the bottom, “Mary Small”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
Out of stock
Description
This is a very early bowl by Mary Small. She was known for her traditional Jemez pottery. It is not just her painting that is distinctive, but the gray-colored clay that she uses is also distinctive in her pottery. This bowl has a diamond shape around the rim and cloud patterns on the side. It is an early use of the gray coloration, which has a very soft appearance on this bowl. It is signed on the bottom, “Mary Small”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
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Small, Mary Toya (1940-2024)
Mary Small (1940-2024) was known for her creative traditional Jemez Pueblo pottery. Her name in Towa was “Kal-la-Tee”, meaning “New Indian Basket”. She learned to make pottery from her mother, Perfectita Toya. She was married to Simon Small. She uses a unique gray slip as part of her painted designs. It has become a distinctive visual cue to her exceptional pottery. Each piece is made using native clay, coil-built, and hand-painted. Mary Small has been quoted as saying: "When my pottery is finished, they are blessed. They have power."
Mary began participating in various art shows around 1973. She earned many ribbons during her career, including a First Prize at Santa Fe Indian Market in 1981 and a First Prize at the Powhatan Renape Nation Indian Arts Festival in 1999. Other ribbons came from the Heard Museum Guild Indian Arts Fair & Market, the Gallup InterTribal Ceremonial, and the New Mexico State Fair. Mary was also chosen as the Indian Arts and Crafts Association Artist of the Year in 2002.