Al Qoyamayma
(February 26, 1938 - ) |
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Traditional motifs, such as corn, butterflies and flute players Art Work
| Name: |
Al Qoyamayma |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Place of Birth: |
USA |
| Nationality: |
American Indian/Hopi |
| Birth: |
February 26, 1938 |
| Death: |
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| Website: |
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| Past Auctions: |
Click Here |
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Quick Facts
| Known For: |
Traditional motifs, such as corn, butterflies and flute players |
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| Method: |
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| Style: |
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| Fine Art Profession(s): |
Painting
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Biography
This award-winning artist spent his formative years near Los Angles, in one of the largest Hopi enclaves outside their native Arizona home. Al Qoyawayma's first vocation concerned the skies and aircraft. Studying engineering as a graduate student at the University of Southern California (UCLA), he holds worldwide patents on an aircraft guidance system used during the first Gulf war.
Despite his great success as a military equipment designer, art ran in Qoyawayma's blood. Eventually, he returned to the Hopi mesas and his Native American cultural traditions. The most important artist influence was his aunt, the noted potter Polingaysi Qoyawayma. High on the wind-swept cliffs of Kykotsmovi, the former engineer started creating ceramics using the traditional Indian coil technique. Coveted by serious collectors, his artwork has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Resembling minimalist sculptures, these pots, bowls, jars and vases are often created in the colors of the Hopi mesas. Burnt reds, ochers, tans and buffs dominate. Traditional motifs, such as corn, butterflies and flute players -- embellish the classic, stream-lined curves. The designs are reminiscent of the classic Sikyatki period (1400-1625 AD), a period of Hopi pottery greatly admired by Qoyawayma.
“My clay creations reflect the aesthetic influences of the Southwest environment and the values passed down through our family, says the artist. “Form, textures, contrasts, shadows, the softness of desert color hues are foremost in my work. |
Samples of Work
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