Stetson Setalla
Swan Song
3 1/2"
H x 23" D
This is perhaps the single
largest vessel we've ever had by Stetson (or maybe any Hopi potter
for that matter)! Measuring 23 inches in diameter, the skill
required to not only execute this piece with balance and precision
but also to successfully fire it, is incredible.
We're delighted to see Stetson
returning to the level of skill we know he is capable of. It
seems that the more he pushes the envelope and the more he stretches
himself in attempting these large saucers, the more compelling
the results become.
We really liked the eyedazzler
in the center of the piece, with scalloped circles and inverted
sunflower blossoms with sun rays and then alternating swan and
pahos designs.
Stetson Setalla is from the
village of Sichomovi, which is one of the three villages known
as First Mesa (Polacca). His father, Justin Setalla, is from
Sichomovi village and his mother, Pauline Setalla, is from Mishongnovi
Village (Second Mesa), however, he was raised along with nine
siblings in the Keams Canyon area known as Snowbird Canyon. Stetson
comes from a long line of Hopi potters which include Agnes Navasie
(grandmother), Eunice Navasie (aunt), Agnes Nahsonhoya, and Dee
Setalla (siblings).
He has been an active potter
since 1980 and has been featured in many major works on Hopi
pottery. Stetson consistently shows at major competitions and
venues throughout the Southwest. His work is also featured at
the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona; and the Museum of Indian
Arts & Cultures in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
As always, he has signed with
his trademark bear-claw/raincloud symbol representing both his
mother and father's clans.
