Russell Sanchez #041503

$7,800.00

Russell’s formation of complex and colorful polychrome work is fantastic. This lidded bowl is hand coiled, incised and painted with all natural slips. It is traditionally fired outdoors. Russell explained to me that the shape of his jar is inspired by the work his great-grandmother, Ignacia Sanchez (b. 1865) She was the mother of noted potter Ramona Sanchez and painter Abel Sanchez (Russell’s grandfather). Over the years, Russell has seriously studied her works. She has certainly been an inspiration for him. He takes her shapes, and floral patterns and makes them his own. It is so special to see a talented living artist devote himself to honoring his past in his current creations. There is beauty in the images of the rain clouds and the sprouting flowers. Below those patterns are a checkerboard design with turquoise dots of rain and embedded superfine hematite beads as a border. These polychrome colors of black, red, and white are all seen in San Ildefonso pottery from the 1880s to about 1920. The stippled painting adds a contemporary feel to the work. The bottom of the jar is slipped and polished to a deep red tone.

Russell has coiled a remarkable deep red polished bear to act as the lid. The lid is a piece of clay sculpture all by itself. He has placed the bear on a black mica base – further setting off the lovely color scheme. More turquoise stones are used to blend in with the stonework on the body of the bowl. The bear lid is the same red tone as the bottom of the jar. Total magnificence! This is a brilliant traditional creation.

4 1/2” high by 4 ½” wide

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Russell Sanchez

San Ildefonso

Russell Sanchez was born at the San Ildefonso Pueblo. He has continued to live there all his life. Russell started making pottery at a very young age. If you could see his pots from when he was thirteen or so – you would be able to tell that a great talent was emerging! Russell was greatly influenced by his aunt, Rose Gonzales, and was futher encouraged by Dora Tse Pe. Like Russell, Dora is also a perfectionist. But Russell is really a self-taught potter. His incising, carving, and polishing techniques are all his own – developed and evolving over many years of hard work.

His work is widely accepted by serious collectors of some of the finest Native American pottery made today. He often introduces different materials into the clay while styaing within the traditional construction and firing techniques of pueblo pottery. Russell has won numerous awards and honors in juried shows every year since 1978. He has works in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institute, the Millicent Rogers Museum, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (Santa Fe) and the Museum of Natural History (Los Angeles). It is an honor to work closely with Russell, and represent him in our gallery.

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