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Helen
Tafoya -Jemez Potter
Helen Tafoya-Henderson
is a native from “Walatowa”. Helen learned the art of
working with the clay from her mother Vangie Tafoya, also well-known
amongst the potters. Helen was taught at an early age, helping her
mom clean and mix the clay. Soon she started to form her own pots,
with some help from her mother. Helen started her own family and
moved away from her parents and decided that it was time she created
her own style and her own version of the unique pottery that she
now produces.
Helen now is well-known for the Hummingirds that she puts on her
pottery and completes her piece of pottery by putting a stone into
the hummingbird’s eye. She uses either turquoise, mother of
pearl, onyx or other stones. She is also a collector of hummingbirds
herself and says the hummers have brought her luck. Helen’s
great-grandmother was from San Ildefonso Pueblo and married into
Jemez Pueblo. She also did pottery, the black on black well known
at San Ildefonso. She taught her children to do pottery and the
art has been passed down to each generation. Helen is very happy
that she got to know her grandmother and cherishes the memories
she left behind.
Helen is married to Jon Henderson and they have 4 children. They
all help Helen in any way they can. They also make their own pots.
Helen encourages them to do the best that they can because it takes
a lot of practice and patience to make a pot. Helen wants her children
to learn and appreciate the tradition of how pottery is made.
Helen is very proud of all the pottery she produces. Each pot is
very unique and a contemporary expression of an ancient tradition.
Helen does 4-6 art shows a year and her pottery has gone all over
the world. Helen also competes with other potters at various art
show that do judging on art work. When Helen entered her first pot
for judging, she received a 3rd place ribbon. Soon she started getting
1st and 2nd place ribbons and other awards. |
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