Virginia Lucero Jemez Storyteller in a Blanket Pottery
Virginia Lucero is a full blooded American Indian, a member of the Fire Clan at the pueblo of Jemez. She is the cousin of famed storyteller potter Carol Lucero-Gachupin and was taught the art of pottery making by Marie G. Romero (Laura Gachupin's mother) and her sister, Mary I. Lucero.
In his authoritative book 2000 Artist Biographies, Dr. Greg Schaaf has this to say about Virginia's work. Virginia prepares natural clay in the traditional way. She forms and paints her figures with vegetal and mineral pigments. She then fires her pottery outdoors in a pit with cedar chips.
Her figures are lively. They look like they are singing with gusto. Her babies are wide-eyed with smiles on all their faces. Virginia's figures inspire people to smile along with them.
The present creation is one of Virginia's storytellers, measuring 6 3/4 inches tall by 3 1/2 inches wide by 4 1/2 inches deep. It has six children, one of which is peaking over her shoulder from inside the blanket covering them, one is beating on a drum and one holding a tablet expressing his love for Jemez. Note the gorgeous color of the blanket, its detailed decoration with geometric designs and the beautiful and delicate balance of the piece.
Item No.: A1142
Artist: Virginia Lucero
Size: 6 3/4 in H x 3 1/2 in W x 4 1/2 in D
Price: 540
