Jody Folwell, Santa Clara Pueblo Potter

Jody Folwell: A Modernist Pueblo Potter

Hailing from Santa Clara Pueblo, Jody Folwell is an artist who has carved a niche for herself as one of the most distinguished modernist pueblo potters of our time. Her exceptional talent was recognized in 1987 when she was chosen as a leading contemporary Indian artist by the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles. This recognition led to her participation in a major exhibit alongside just seven other Native American artists.

The legacy of the Rose Naranjo dynasty is marked by the emergence of several gifted artists. Among them is Jody Folwell, Rose's daughter, and her granddaughters, Polly Rose Folwell and Susan Folwell. While most Santa Clara Pueblo potters have adhered to the traditional production of black and red pottery, Jody Folwell dared to deviate. She ventured into a more modern form of self-expression in her work, setting her apart from her contemporaries.

Born in 1942 in Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, Jody Folwell-Turipa is a celebrated Native American potter and artist. As a member of the Naranjo family, she is revered as an avant-garde Pueblo potter. Her innovative approach to pottery, characterized by off-round, uneven-lipped, asymmetrical polished pots, has earned her the title of the "first impressionist potter". Her creations are not merely aesthetic but also incorporate elements of social commentary and satire.

In 1984, Folwell's collaborative work with Chiricahua Apache sculptor Bob Haozous was awarded Best of Show at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Her work has also been featured in the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, further cementing her status in the art world.

Folwell's artistic prowess extends to her family. Her daughters, Susan and Polly Rose Folwell, are accomplished potters in their own right. Their collective work was showcased in the 2009-2010 exhibition "Mothers & Daughters: Stories in Clay" at the Heard Museum. Folwell's mother, Rose Naranjo, was a respected Santa Clara Pueblo potter, indicating a strong lineage of artistic talent.

Folwell's philosophy towards her pottery is profound. She views each piece as a standalone artwork with a unique message, a statement about life. She identifies as both a contemporary potter and a traditionalist, finding the fusion of the two both emotionally stirring and exhilarating.

TAGS:  Rose Naranjo, Polly Rose Folwell, Susan Folwell, Santa Clara Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery