Golden Micaceous Cylinder with Inlaid Silver Shifting Sands Designs

Since the late 1980s, Preston has incorporated micaceous clays and sterling silver inlays into his contemporary pieces. His Shifting Sands Series draws inspiration from the sight of fine sand molded by wind or water into a series of subtle, concentric ripples. The silver inlays symbolize the precious lifeblood of water, while the etched patterns around them embody clouds and water. This work serves as a silent Hopi prayer, expressing a hope for water to always remain on Earth to sustain life.  His hallmark is a silhouette of a mother carrying her baby on her back.

Preston Duwyenie (born 1951) is a Hopi potter from the village of Hotevilla on Third Mesa, now living at Santa Clara Pueblo with his wife. He taught ceramics at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe for six years. His Hopi name, Lomaiquilvaa, means "Carried in Beauty." As a student at IAIA, he was mentored by Otellie Loloma, who encouraged him to experiment with different techniques-a guiding principle throughout his career.

Growing up in Hotevilla, Preston was immersed in the rich artistic traditions of the Hopi people, with a mother who was a basket weaver and a father who was a Katsina carver. His Hopi name was given to him after his godmother carried him home asleep late in the evening following his initiation ceremony. This upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for art and beauty, shaping his journey as a potter.

As a traditional potter producing contemporary styles and designs, Preston has exhibited at prestigious events such as the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market in Phoenix, the Colorado Indian Market in Denver, Santa Fe Indian Market, and the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show. He has earned numerous awards in both traditional and contemporary pottery divisions, including two Best of Show awards from the Colorado Indian Market and another Best of Show from the Heard Museum Market. In 2019, he placed first in the Unpainted Pottery category at the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Golden Micaceous Cylinder with Inlaid Silver Shifting Sands Designs is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading:

• Hopi Katsina: 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf. 

• Hopi-Tewa Pottery 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, paintings, pottery, textiles jewelry Andrew Duwyenie, Santa Clara Pueblo, Preston Duwyenie