12.09.23 Al Qöyawayma

Al Qöyawayma
Beyond The Broken Pattern

By Rebekah Powers | December 2023

“I am of the Second Generation of Hopi, beyond the broken pattern”: so begins the Artist’s Statement identifying the artist and his hope of repairing the patterns of indigenous culture and art that have been altered in this modern day. He could have introduced himself as a professional engineer, an activist or a writer, but it seems that clay is his inheritance and the instrument for his message.

The fine pottery of Al Q is exquisitely simple in design, evoking high desert landscapes, he sculpts surfaces and interiors in high relief. Architectural elements refer to the adaptability of ancient people, the beauty and practicality of their cultures and inherent adaptability, reconstructing in his work the way of life that has been “broken”.

Of all the Native American talents whose work we represent at Chimayo Trading, there may not be another who has done as much to promote, preserve and protect indigenous cultures as Al Qöyawayma. A few highlights from his multifaceted career:

1. Fulbright Fellow with the Māori to help them reestablish their ceramic tradition.
   
2. Co-founder and First Chairman of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, which has grown to 180 chapters worldwide.
   
3. Honorary Doctorate from the University of Colorado for his extensive work over the years to increase opportunities for native peoples.
   
4. Presidential Appointee and Vice Chairman of the Institute of American Indian Arts where he deals first hand with issues of energy and water development that affect the Native American way of life.

But even with these important roles in our society, Q reaches back into his Hopi roots, and remembers to be humble when he picks up the humblest of earth’s mediums, clay. His Artist’s Statement says it best:

“By Grace my Creator gave me everlasting hope.
My clay gives me an artist’s life.”

Reaching for what is just beyond his grasp has kept this potter relevant. He understands the challenges, the stress and the heartbreak of our modern world, but the roots of his influences extend as far back as 4,000 years. Come to Chimayo Trading for a glimpse into the mind and life’s work of Al Qöyawayma, a true citizen of the world working to heal the “broken pattern” of all indigenous and displaced peoples.

Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

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