While visiting New Mexico it was a joy to be able to see Native American art. We were dazzled with silver jewelry, weavings, sand paintings and pottery to name a few offerings. All of it was lovely, but I was especially entranced by the black and white pottery on display. There are several Native American societies that create black and white pottery. Two forms that I became familiar with are from the Zuni and Acoma Pueblos. I loved the designs and the juxtaposition of the black and white.
Once home I couldn't get the images of this form of pottery out of my mind. While in New Mexico I had picked up a book called "Indian Designs". This book is created for the artist - be it jewelry or weaving or pottery. The book contains simple and basic designs which very much appealed to me.
So in the coming weeks I will be attempting to portray my own version of these ancient and mystical designs via Punchneedle. In my mind's eye I see animals in their stylistic best, needlepunched and framed in simple black frames. I've picked out the first set - three bird designs plus ecru and black embroidery floss. Let's see what my thoughts become.
"If we wonder often, the gift of knowledge will come." - Arapaho
