Stetson Setalla
Rainbird Bowl
14 1/2"
D x 4 1/2" H
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.
From Stetson's autobiographical
statement:
"I was only 19 years
old when I began the art of pottery which was right after I graduated
from high school. My mother was my mentor and she did an excellent
job because without her patience, guidance and love, I would
not be where I am today.
"Good thoughts and a
good heart are essential in working with your clay because you
are creating yourself in each pot as you coil and when you are
ready to paint the pot, a clear mind and good heart is crucial
in assisting you with your painting because the designs flow
through your mind into your hand and onto your pot without difficulty."
As always, he has signed with
his trademark bear-claw/raincloud symbol representing both his
mother and father's clans.
