Steve Lucas
Kachina Faces
5 1/2"
H x 10 1/2" D
This special pot is the creation
of Hopi master potter, Steve Lucas. It represents the many kachinas
which appear during the winter months of the Hopi ceremonial
calendar, but especially during the month of February when the
Bean Dances are held and the Soyok Wuhti and her guardians come
for their ransoms.
Kachina faces are depicted
throughout this large vessel. These sizes are difficult to exectute
and always represent a risk when firing. Steve has been fortunate
during these months of severe weather and his potteries have
come out beautifully.
Steve Lucas is the great -grandson
of Nampeyo, grandson of Rachel Namingha Nampeyo and brother of
Karen Lucas. He is recognized as one of the premier Hopi potters
of today for his outstanding and innovative art work.
He consistently wins blue
ribbons and this year he won best of pottery at the Santa Fe
Indian Market. His works are created in the traditional ways
of Hopi potters and of his great-great grandmother Nampeyo.
Steve uses all natural clays
to hand coil his pottery, natural pigments to create designs
and outdoor firing to give his art the wonderful blush that adds
much so beauty.
Another characteristic of
Steve's fine work is the high polished glow which most pieces
exhibit. This is achieved through many hours of diligent polishing
using a small, smooth stone.
Most of his designs are based
on old Sikyatki shards that he studies for inspiration. Steve's
work is precise, finely detailed, nearly perfect in symmetry.
Like his forebears, Steve
has mastered the art of traditional polychrome pottery making.
Steve has signed with his hallmark mudhead, or koyemsi,
along with an ear of corn for his great-grandmother, Nampeyo.