Al Qoyawayma #7810

$4,800.00

Known for his unique and innovative pottery, this large, hand coiled clay piece, made in 2007, is called “Path of Life”. It is amazingly stunning. In fact, a piece like this is in the permanent collection of the Denver Art Museum. Al’s statement about his work really describes this gorgeous piece – “My style tends towards that of a minimalist.” He goes on to say, “I produce pieces of pristine, fluid form, with high sculptural relief. The finish is stone polished producing the hue and shadow of high desert landscape, and softness to the touch.” This beautiful creation reflects his Hopi culture with the organic rim of this piece highlighting a cliff dwelling. His work is so classic and often described as “elegant.” You can see how smooth and sleek this is – the polishing work is fantastic. The carved dwelling is architecturally designed and so head to achieve in clay. Everything about this clay art piece is marvelous. Al has signed it on the bottom and has added 1995 as his copyright date for this design.

height: 5 3/4 diameter: 12 5/16 in

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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.

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