Al Qoyawayma

“Al Q” was raised in Southern California when his parents had left the reservation in the 1930’s. For many years, Al worked in northern California at Litton Industries developing high tech guidance systems and air borne star trackers. He had received a degree in mechanical engineering, and also a Master’s in mechanical and control systems engineering. He often encourages young Native Americans to enter in sciences as a study area. He founded the American Indian Science and Engineering Society in 1977. Al is able to incorporate his creative, spiritual side with his scientific side, and he creates some absolutely incredible pottery.

All his work in clay is built in the traditional method of coiling. He then stretches his clay – creating that overall effect of elegance and fluidity. He creates architectural type designs in clay – Corn Maidens, Kokopelli, Mesas, and butterflies – all in relief work. Each piece he creates is quite spectacular and unique. You can always identify his work as pottery from “Al Q”.

In his artist’s statement Al Q says.” “By Grace my Creator gives me everlasting hope. My clay gives me an artist’s life. The spirit of my work reflects the soft hues, shadows and forms of the high desert. The life of my work has its roots in a timeless culture, the mystery of our origins, and the links to Mesoamerica and beyond.”

Al’s work is displayed in many prominent museum permanent collections: The Denver Art Museum, The Heard Museum, The Taylor Museum, The Millicent Rogers Museum, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and others.