Adobe Gallery Blog

Mary Says: July 21, 2017 Getting Ready for the Hopi Show 

We are continuing to learn about Hopi pottery, about the genius of Nampeyo and her influence on the generations of young potters who have followed in her footsteps. As I look at each piece in the collection and at the new pieces that come to us, it is the scope of Nampeyo’s talent that seems to amaze me. She had an uncanny ability to use the pot, not just as a vessel, but as a canvas for her interpretation of things she saw, feelings she had, or just what she thought would please someone.  

So, it’s really not hard to understand why, at the turn of the century, a great number of museums worldwide collected Nampeyo’s work. Nampeyo’s work is found in museums in Germany, England, Norway as well as numerous locations in the United States. Her artistic genius was recognized and appreciated by scholars worldwide.

So, now 100 years after she made them, her pieces are here at Adobe Gallery. I am thrilled to be able to look at and hold these incredible objects of art. When you look at her pieces, take the time to look at how her designs just fit the shape of the vessell perfectly. 

-Mary Mackie