Bowl

Lucy M. Lewis, Bowl, ca. 1960-1965, earthenware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1965.54.1
Copied Lucy M. Lewis, Bowl, ca. 1960-1965, earthenware, 5 1⁄2 x 7 1⁄2 in. (14.0 x 19.0 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1965.54.1

Artwork Details

Title
Bowl
Artist
Date
ca. 1960-1965
Location
Dimensions
5 1⁄2 x 7 1⁄2 in. (14.0 x 19.0 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Mediums
Mediums Description
earthenware
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — deer
Object Number
1965.54.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1965.54.1

Artwork Description

To create her pieces, Lucy Lewis used traditional pottery techniques from her home in the Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico. She built up coils of clay to create the initial shape, then smoothed them out and polished the form before firing the work using cow dung. In decorating her works, however, Lewis moved away from tradition by using very little background decoration. She also commonly incorporated images inspired by ancient American Indian symbols. In this bowl, Lewis applied the deer with heart-line design, a spiritual symbol associated with many activities, such as asking the gods for a successful hunt and a wish for a peaceful death (Art Education, September 1990).