Santa Clara Pueblo Earth Mineral Yei Painting by Pablita Velarde [SOLD]

Pablita Velarde is very well known for her career of painting with paints that she made herself by grinding mineral elements on a metate using a mano.  Of course, metates and manos have traditionally been used for grinding corn into a fine powdery meal. Velarde used the process for making very fine powdery pigments which she then mixed with glue and applied to a hard surface for making a painting.  She often had to apply as many of 10 coats of paint to achieve the consistency she desired.

The subject of the painting is a Yeibichai figure as the central object, surrounded by plant materials and geometric designs.  All of the colors used are natural materials ground by hand by Velarde.  Even the frame is original to the painting.  She had frames made to her specifications.

Condition:  The painting is in original excellent condition.

Provenance: A young Albuquerque man received it from his grandparents and used it for funds to move to California to pursue a music career.  We wish him the best in his new career.