A contradiction in terms,
this large egg shaped olla would certainly overpower the tiny
little hummingbird so gracefully depicted on its front panel.
Harrison often uses symbolic imagery and sometimes even humor
to convey an important message about life and the beauty we find
all around us.
Harrison Begay was raised
near Keams Canyon, Arizona, in the small Navajo community of
Jeddito. In college, he trained as a painter in a fine arts curriculum.
He turned to pottery and began
to enter his pieces in numerous awards, winning major awards
from the '80s until the present. While married at Santa Clara,
he learned the New Mexico pueblo style of pottery from his mother-in-law.
He is regarded as one of today's
major artists. His work is featured in important galleries, museums,
and private collections around the world. He has certainly taken
the traditional Santa Clara style and improvised upon it in a
unique and innovative fashion. His work is unmistakable!
Especially impressive are
the technical aspects of the pottery, which Harrison has mastered
over the years - and of course the rich "chocolate"
finish that can only be achieved through the careful process
of oxygen reduction techniques.
Harrison's lines are clean
and his cuts are deep. He is certainly one of the most accomplished
potters in this style. His high polish finish contrasts strikingly
against the deliberate matte finish of the rest of the pot.
Add a piece by Harrison Begay
to your collection and see why so many have been impressed with
this talented and humble artist.
