Stetson Setalla (1962 - )

Stetson Setalla, Hopi Pueblo, Bear Clan, Mishongnovi, active 1980-present. Stetson Setalla is the Grandson of Roscoe Navasie, Agnes Navasie and Josephine Setalla; nephew of Eunice Navasie and Perry Navasie; son of Justin and Pauline Setalla; brother of Gwen Setalla, Agnes Nahsonhoya, Dee Setalla, Justina Setalla and Karen Namoki. Stetson learned pottery making from his mother Pauline Setalla.

"I was only 19 years old when I began the art of pottery which was right after I graduated from high school. My mother was my mentor and she did an excellent job because without her patience, guidance and love, I would not be where I am today. I have now been in the pottery business for the past 16 years and although it started out as a hobby, I find it has become my main source of income, but most important, it gives me a sense of serenity, self-worth, pride and inner peace with my soul. I also work as a seasonal fire fighter with the Coconino Forest Service which keeps me busy during the summer months, but I enjoy the hard work that goes with the job and when I return home, I am anxious to sit down with my clay to be within myself once again.

As I work on my pots, I clear my mind of all bad thoughts by concentrating and praying to my clay. Good thoughts and a good heart are essential in working with your clay because you are creating yourself in each pot as you coil and when you are ready to paint the pot, a clear mind and good heart is crucial in assisting you with your painting because the designs flow through your mind into your hand and onto your pot without difficulty."

 

Source: Provided by Tom Tallant and published in Hopi-Tewa Pottery 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Schaaf.

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