The Stylish Reappearance of Native American Art and Pottery

Over a decade since its boom days, the Native American art and pottery of the Southwest is regaining popularity among interior designers and individuals wanting to add a uniquely aesthetic, deeply original, artistic expression to the décor of their homes. Spiritual, humble and beautiful, authentic Native American pottery provides a distinctive charm to the home and warms it with evocative images and designs, which have crept into the wider cultural consciousness.

After years of inexpensive imitations — often from overseas — crowding the market, only a few remaining authentic Native American art companies produce works of true beauty, utilizing crafting techniques which are both innovative and true to the mystique and aura handed down through antiquity.

One such company, Cedar Mesa Pottery, employs potters — all Native Americans — who produce one of a kind, hard to find pottery; Southwestern art which is popular among collectors and those with a taste for the unique.

About twenty years ago, a wave of interest in southwestern, Native American art and pottery swept the nation. Employing well-known and skilled artisans, Cedar Mesa Pottery now stands as the premier purveyor of high quality Native American pottery.

Joe Lyman, president of Cedar Mesa Pottery, understands the concerns of those who want to own authentic pieces. "For somebody to be able to readily tell the difference between an authentic piece and an imitation, you'd have to be an expert. All our pieces are signed on the bottom, and each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity."

With collectors' pieces, the finished work has a beauty and intricacy of design that reflects the genius of the individual artist. Highly skilled Native American artists such as James Benally and Raymond Deschene, contribute higher end, Southwestern art collector pieces.

Cedar Mesa integrated two of their top competitors, Hozoni and Adamson into their ranks, forming a powerhouse of artistic talent and variety specializing in authentic Native American art. There are now over twenty-five product lines. This gives gift shop owners a wide selection to offer their customers, and interior designers what they need to create the exact ambiance they envision.

Traditional native designs include the two-spouted Wedding Vase, the Wind Bell, the Bear Fetish, and Kokopelli — the legendary hunchbacked flute player. Painting styles are varied and use combinations of airbrush, hand brush and etching along with other production techniques to achieve a distinct style for each product line.

"Traditional designs give the pottery a distinctive feel,” explains Lyman. "For example, some pieces feature 'rock art.' Rock art is made to resemble actual images you find on the cliffs."

And some display a feather. "The feather is a prayer feather, used in saying prayers. The eagle takes the feather and delivers the prayer to the Great Spirit."

Cedar Mesa Pottery's new online art gallery (www.cmpottery.com) displays an ever-changing view of Native American art, their pottery and artists. It is well worth checking out their wide collection of Southwestern art, whether one wants a perfect holiday gift for a friend or simply wants a warm, aesthetic addition to their own home's décor. Wholesale buyers and individuals can contact them at (800) 235-7687.

For More Information Contact:
Joe Lyman
Cedar Mesa Pottery
Phone: 435-679-2241
Fax: 435-678-2906
333 South Main
Blanding, UT., 64511
E-mail: potteryboss@cmpottery.net
www.cmpottery.com