Candelaria Suazo, Santa Clara Pueblo Seed Pot

Contemporary fired earthenware with sienna spots and sgraffito decoration, the underside signed Candelaria / Suazo / Santa Clara / Pueblo", the design comprised of a serrated feathers flanking a kokopelli figure within billowing cloud forms.

3 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.

Candelaria Suazo was born to Joe and Santanita Suazo of Santa Clara and San Juan Pueblos. She has been making pottery since she was 20 years old. Among her teachers and those who still inspire her are her mother and her sisters: Margie Naranjo, Martha Haungooah, Mae Tapia and Shirley Duran. Relatives Dolores Curran and Geri Naranjo also had a great influence on her work over the years.

Candelaria says, “I enjoy making pottery because I want to keep up the traditional art of pottery making that the pueblo of Santa Clara is known for.” She exhibits at the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show and has earned several ribbons for First, Second and Third Places. She signs her work: “Candelaria Suazo, Santa Clara Pueblo.”

No glazes are used, only a stone to polish the piece. The pot is fired outdoors in a traditional firing pit using "cow patties" and dry horse manure. To obtain a black finish, a reduction process is employed where the pots are smothered with a mix of ashes and pulverized manure.

Good estate condition.