Loren Hamilton Nampeyo learned
the delicate art of pottery making from being around his maternal
grandmother, Fannie Nampeyo. He also learned a great deal from
his well-known mother, Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo, who collaborated
with her son on this piece by crafting the vessel, while Loren
did the design work on the pottery walls.
He spent a year learning from
his Uncle, Tom Polacca. He still makes pottery full time, interpreting
old designs his way. He uses a method he learned from Tom, called
Sgraffito, which is the cutting away of different parts of surface
layer of clay to expose colored layers.
Loren's work remains some
of the finest in Hopi carved pottery. His meticulous attention
to detail can be seen in every line.
This particular piece is an
incredible combination of a Tonita's classic Hopi wedding vase,
and Loren's ability as a contemporary pottery carver.
Loren's work is also recognizable
because of the high-polished finish he achieves in completing
his pieces. In this way, his work resembles that of his well-known
aunt, Iris Youvella Nampeyo.
We're pleased to present this
unique piece of pottery by Loren. He is featured in many publications
on Hopi-Tewa pottery, and is an important part of the Nampeyo
family tree.
