Stetson Setalla
Master
Artist Award / MNA Hopi Show 2003
Sikyatki Vase
(hairline cracked)
6 3/4"
H x 11 3/4" D
SPECIAL NOTE:
This piece is being offered
at a special value in an effort to help Stetson move a beautiful
piece of pottery which experienced some unfortunate hairline
flaws during firing. Because the same amount of time and skill
go into these "flawed" pieces, we feel it is important
that they reach the market and return a fair price for the artist's
efforts.
Like a diamond, this piece
could be considered as having "slight inclusions."
The hairlines appear in the dark slip area around the base of
the pottery. The pottery still has a good "ring" to
it, and is structurally sound. Aside from a few aesthetic imperfections,
it is a lovely piece at a fair price.
Stetson Setalla comes from
a long line of Hopi potters. His family includes 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: "As I work on my pots, I clear my mind of all
bad thoughts by concentrating and praying to my clay.
"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.
