Heartline BEAR Blackware by Ken Tafoya (d)

Santa Clara’s notable potter Ken Tafoya (1956-1994) seems to have long-ago envisioned today’s era of rampant fetishism. Highly talented with native clays, he fashioned this masterpiece Heartline Bear about thirty years ago. Typically a high gloss finisher, Ken went low road on this Bear, creating a bowl into a Bear and fishing the surface with washed Jemez clays, high in micaceous content. The metallic like glow is lost in photos but is generous in hand.

The heartline stands out in person, unmistakable (photos rob this feature), and the feathers dominate, adding color and whimsy. Dung fired Blackware.

Measures about four inches at longest. Very good condition. Signed into the clay, indelible. Famous artist! COLLECTOR ALERT.