Joseph Lonewolf (January 26, 1932 – November 9, 2014) was a Native American potter from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, United States. He was known for his use of historical methods and his development of sgraffito and bas-relief techniques, which used a nail filed to a point as his main carving tool. The son of pottery artist and historical reconstructionist Camilio Sunflower Tafoya, Lonewolf was a precision mining equipment machinist until 1971, when a back injury forced him to retire.
His works, which have often been referred to as "pottery jewels", are notable for the use of Mimbres designs on sienna miniatures. His Designs are often reflect geometrical animal forms, He said "Each pot had a meaning but most are about nature".
Clay
When Joseph and his family go out to gather clay they do it with the utmost respect. Before the clay can be taken from Mother Earth they must say a prayer asking to take the clay and tell the clay mother that they are going to take her and make her into a beautiful pot. The clay is brought home and water is added to turn the clay to a liquid form known as slip. The slip is then strained through a screen to take out any rocks or roots and then the clay can be dried wedged up to be used.
References
External links
- More information about Joseph Lonewolf