Artist Bio:
My name is Dee Johnson Setalla.
I am a member of the Hopi Tribe. I was born and raised in Snowbird
Canyon, Arizona. Since I am part of the Bear Clan (Mother - Bear
Clan) I sign my pottery with a Bear Claw.
I first started making pottery
around the age of 6 years old. Most of my teachings came from
great potters such as my mother Pauline Setalla, and my Aunt
Eunice "Fawn" Navasie, who was a well known Hopi potter.
At first, it was difficult
to complete a piece of pottery. However, through many years of
practice and patience, I must admit, I have progressed a great
deal. I enjoy doing traditional designs such as birds, moths
or butterflies, bear claws, clouds and rain (Father - Water Clan)
designs.
I now do pottery full-time.
I would like to thank my teachers for their time and patience.
My pottery is known for its thin walls and high polish.
The gray clay that I mold
my pottery with is dug up near my house on the Hopi reservation.
Once the clay is prepared it is hand coiled. Coiling is the ancient
way that Hopi's still make pottery.
Paint for the pottery comes
from local plants which are picked by the handfuls in the spring
then boiled in a large tub of water until they condense into
a black substance. Pottery is painted with a paint brush which
comes from a yucca stem. The ends are chewed and trimmed to various
sizes. The designs are painted freehand. The pottery is eventually
transferred outdoors to be fired with sheep dung.
My art is the contribution
of a thousand years of Hopi art and cultural expression. When
working with the clay, it's like you're bringing it to life.
You must treat it with respect. You treat it like you are raising
a child, and guide it through the growing stages. It's not just
steps out of tradition, but a personal nurturing as well. You
must be very grateful for the clay and pottery. I pray each morning
with cornmeal. When we dig clay, we leave food there. You can't
be greedy and not leave anything.
Pottery in the younger Hopi
generations is slowly fading out. I would like to devote my time
to teaching this generation the art of pottery, and what it means
to me. Being a mentor would play an important role for me.
