Artist of the Month: Potter Marcella Yepa from Jemez
About the Artist
This month we celebrate the pottery of Marcella Yepa.
Marcella is known for her polished hand-made pottery, each one telling a unique story of beauty and tradition. “I make my pots from natural clays and pigments gathered by hand in the Jemez Mountains. Each piece is hand crafted using traditional hand coiling or pinching methods, and then stone polished for smoothness and shine.”
Marcella is 4/4 Native American, 1/2 Jemez Pueblo (Father’s side) located in New Mexico and 1/2 Chickasaw (Mother’s side) located in Oklahoma. Born in 1964, she was raised in the Jemez Pueblo and started working with clay at the age of 19. Her grandmother, Felipita Yepa, taught her how to create pottery using traditional techniques, and she has used these skills passed down to her for the past 35 years, creating these one-of-a-kind pieces.
View her website to learn more about Marcella and her process.
Traditions in Technique
The technique in which her pottery is created from nature, by her own hands, is what makes it so treasured. A true art form. This short documentary (just seven minutes), produced by Chickasaw TV, shows the heart and soul that is put into each peace. It is inspiring to watch the process of an accomplished pueblo artist and see a glimpse into their craft.
The Pottery of a Master
We are fortunate enough to showcase some of Yepa’s work in our gallery. Marcella’s work is carried by the Smithsonian Museum, Heard Museum and the U.S. Department of the Interior, as well as leading galleries all across the country.
We hope you enjoy her as much as we do. She truly exemplifies the Jemez artistry and craft that brings nature, history, and family traditions into art.
