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Natural Top
Hopi Vase |
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MELVIN
LINDQUIST
Natural Top Hopi Vase
MBL/EW006 |
©
Lindquist Studios 1998 |
(Click on photo to see
larger image)
Melvin began studying Hopi forms in the mid-seventies, at first going to the local library (Schenectady, NY)
to read about ceramics. Later, he visited museums and became even more intrigued
with the actual historical pots. The Hopi ceramic form is an amazingly versatile and
elegant shape. The full round body is "topped off" with an
interesting "chimney" which demonstrates amazing profundity of variations of
this curved theme. As though inspired by the chimneys of the ovens, the Hopi vessel
endures as one of the most brilliant, honest forms of Native American heritage. The
shapes Melvin creates do not attempt to duplicate this heritage of utility, but rather to
pay homage to it, within the realm of artistic license. The use of such a rich wood
coupled with irregularities and an interpretation of traditional form make this a highly
prized piece from an especially fecund period of Melvin's work. (In 1979, Melvin
and his wife Helen moved from Schenctady, NY, to Henniker, NH. He and Mark shared
the studio and the help of apprentices. Mel had access to Mark's extensive burl
stores, and could devote uninterrupted time to working, particularly as the apprentices
assisted in the heavy work of lifting and rough cutting burls, under Melvin's
instruction, and, of course, clean up, which was always an ongoing issue....
All works and photographs are copyright Lindquist Studios - All rights
reserved- http://www.lindquiststudios.com |
For Prompt Service call (850)
875-9809 or e-mail INFOR@lindquiststudios.com |
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The Natural Top
Hopi Vase is one of Melvin's favorite forms.
The Hopi Indians of the Southwest created a distinct form which has been central to their ceramics for
centuries. Melvin pays tribute to this pottery form and the American Hopi Indian
culture in his Hopi Series vessels. |
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American Black Cherry Burl has medium tight grain, and is exquistitely marked with dormant bud
burl eyes and swirls. The wood is very "cherry" red and deepens with age
through oxidation. Ultimately, as in this piece, after 18 years, the wood has become
a deep rich red with yellowish or cream colored hues. A fairly rare northern
hardwood burl, cherry is an elegant and gorgeous material. Bark inclusions abound,
which for Melvin offers more opportunity for serendipitous design.... |
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