Marvelous things in Mesilla Closed (#16175162)

Denise Chavarria Santa Clara Pueblo 

• Signed: Denise Chavarria, Santa Clara
• Swirling Melon Design

About the Artist:

Denise Chavarria stands as a distinguished potter from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, inheriting a rich legacy of pottery-making that traces back through generations of talented women in her family. Born in 1959 into a lineage where clay and creativity flowed as naturally as the spoken word, Denise was introduced to the art of pottery at the tender age of 16. Under the tutelage of her mother, Stella Chavarria, and her late grandmother, Teresita Naranjo, she learned the venerable tradition of working with hand-gathered clay, an art form deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of her people.

From the hills surrounding Santa Clara Pueblo, Denise, alongside her sister Loretta “Sunday” Chavarria, carefully selects the clay that serves as the foundation for her creations. Through a meticulous process of cleaning, mixing with white ash, and allowing the clay to settle, she prepares the material that will eventually be transformed into exquisite pieces of pottery. Employing the traditional hand-coiling technique, Denise sculpts her pots with an attention to detail that has become a hallmark of her work. The designs and carvings that adorn each piece are inspired by both the natural world and the rich cultural tapestry of her Pueblo. Following a thorough drying process, the pottery is sanded, polished, and fired outdoors, using methods such as horse dung firing for black-on-black pottery or open fire for red pots, to achieve finishes that are as durable as they are beautiful.

Denise's contributions to the world of pottery have not only earned her widespread recognition but have also seen her work celebrated in several esteemed publications, including "Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery," "Southwestern Indian Pottery: Anasazi to Zuni," and "Santa Clara Portraits: A Proud Tradition." Her talent has been acknowledged with numerous awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market, where she has secured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place honors, a testament to her skill and creativity.

Despite drawing inspiration from her mother, Stella, and grandmother, Teresita, Denise has cultivated a distinctive style that stands on its own. Her work, characterized by the carving of avanyu (serpent), flowers, and geometric patterns, ranges from miniatures to larger jars and figures, each piece a testament to her innovative approach to traditional pottery-making. Her success at various art shows, including the New Mexico State Fair and the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show, further underscores her status as a revered artist within and beyond the boundaries of Santa Clara Pueblo.

Denise Chavarria's journey as a potter is not merely a career but a continuation of a familial and cultural legacy. Through her hands, the clay of Santa Clara Pueblo is transformed into vessels that carry the stories, traditions, and artistry of her ancestors into the present, ensuring that the flame of creativity ignited by her forebears burns brightly for generations to come.

Condition:
Good, No Damage

Size:
3" X 3 1/2"

Note: An early version of this description erroneously listed the artist at Stella Chavarria.