Linda Tafoya
Sanchez
Santa Clara
Majestic
9 3/4"
H x 7 1/2" D
Linda really pulls off these
impressive larger vessels with grace. It's bold and beautiful
and has just the right balance. Her polishing is really superb.
The water serpent sits nicely along the edge of the shoulder,
while alternating wave paterns border it. The top and bottom
are adorned with knifewing designs. A really contemporary touch
on a classic design!
Linda is the granddaughter
of famed Santa Clara potter Margaret Tafoya. Linda's father was
Margaret's son, Lee Tafoya and her mother was Betty Tafoya. Both
of Linda's parents passed away in recent years and Margaret Tafoya
passed away in early 2001.
Born in 1962, Linda began
making pottery at the age of twelve. She learned this art form
from her aunt Mary Archuleta as well as from her parents.
Being a descendant of Margaret
Tafoya and pursuing a career in pottery requires a commitment
to excellence and Linda has clearly risen to the challenge. Whether
her work is traditionally styled or more contemporary, it is
always of the highest quality.
Linda has created a name for
herself with her own unique style. She has created a contemporary
adaptation of the traditional Santa Clara carving style.
Linda has won numerous awards
including "Best of Division" and "First Place"
at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Eight Northern Pueblo Show.
And for many years she was a featured artist at Gallery 10 shows.
She is featured in Rick Dillingham's
book Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery on page 198 and
the more recent Schaaf book Pueblo Indian Pottery - 750 Artist
Biographies on page 112.
