The is an unusual water jar from LuAnn Tafoya.  She is a daughter of Margaret Tafoya and learned to make large vessels from her mother.  This large water jar is coil built, stone polished, and traditionally fired. It is a classic water jar shape with a sharp double shoulder and sloping sides.  From the top of the double shoulder, the jar is fully polished. The neck is carved with 12 swirling melon ribs and it is matte.  It is a striking contrast of matte and polished surface. The concept of the matte and polished contrasting areas creating a strong visual dynamic.  The matte is perfectly sanded to create a smooth, shadowless surface to complement the polished area.  I have to admit, I’m a bit nostalgic when I see this piece as it was part of our 2006 Spring Show with LuAnn Tin Scottsdale. I remember when she brought out this piece how exciting it was to see something so unique and creative.  LuAnn was always willing to push boundaries in her work within a traditional context.  It remains creative and very important over time.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “LuAnn Tafoya”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

“When I was twelve, I remember one Saturday morning my mom said, “We are going to polish today.” I looked at her, and I said, “Polish today? I’ve never polished a pot.” She put up a table, and I sat on one side and she sat on the other side. She started putting the clay slip on some small pieces. As soon as it was ready for me to polish, she would hand me the small pot. She kept putting the slip onto six small bowls. It was like a rotation of working on it. After she put the slip on then I would start polishing, so we keep on going. That’s where I remember starting to work on the pots.”  LuAnn Tafoya, Spoken Through Clay

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