Lorraine Gala Lewis, Laguna Pueblo Potter

Lorraine Gala Lewis: Pueblo Pottery Renaissance

Lorraine Gala Lewis is a highly respected Pueblo artist whose heritage spans the Laguna, Taos, and Hopi Pueblos. Active since the 1990s, she is celebrated for her pottery, sculpture, and beadwork.

Her primary focus is creating fabulous and respectful reproductions of ancient Pueblo pottery, particularly styles like the iconic Mesa Verde. Lewis bridges the past and the present by creating a loving homage to the pottery of her ancestors using a blend of traditional form and modern technique.

• Ancient Inspiration, Modern Method: She meticulously studies and reproduces historical designs and shapes.
• Non-Traditional Materials: To achieve her pieces, she employs contemporary materials, such as commercial clay, and fires them in an electric kiln, distinguishing her process from traditional Pueblo methods.

This innovative approach allows her to honor the rich history of Pueblo ceramics while ensuring the enduring quality and accessibility of her art.

References:

- Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

- Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Laguna Pueblo, Hopi Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery