jar | Spencer Museum of Art

Lucy M. Lewis, artist

Cultural affiliations: Acoma

circa 1898–1992, active circa 1920–1990

jar, 1950–1992

Where object was made: New Mexico, United States

Material/technique: ceramic; paint

Dimensions:
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 15 x 20 cm
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 5 7/8 x 7 7/8 in

Credit line: Gift from the Estate of Karl Menninger and his family

Accession number: 2007.4597

On display: Loo Gallery

Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

Debut

Although Lucy M. Lewis had no formal training or education, she is one of the most celebrated Acoma artists. Lewis is known for her distinctive black and white pottery, which is made using a combination of techniques and designs passed down from generations of potters and of her own imagination. Lewis learned how to make pottery as a child by observing women in her community.

The clay Lewis used is found near the Acoma Pueblo, with only community members knowing its exact location. Made by hand using the coil building method, the pottery is painted with a white slip, or liquid clay, leaving a blank canvas for decoration. A black, mineral-based paint is then used to add designs like the starburst on this vase. Once fully decorated, the piece is fired in a traditional pit kiln. The resulting pottery is distinctive in shape, color, and pattern.

Debut