Vintage Six Nations Talking Earth Pottery Vessel Steve T. Smith 1982 Rare For Sale

1982 vintage Steve Smith "Talking Earth" jardiniere pottery vessel in unusual sandstone glaze, entitled "They are dancing in the heavens"; approximately 16.5cm (6 1/2in) high x 20.3cm (8in) at widest poin1982 vintage Steve Smith "Talking Earth" jardiniere in unusual sandstone glaze, entitled "They are dancing in the heavens"; approximately 16.5cm (6 1/2in) high x 20.3cm (8in) at widest point.Signed on base.In excellent condition. Base rim is irregularly glazed and in its original condition. There are natural scuffs and imperfections to be expected in any hand made piece of art.
Several pottery studios currently exist on the Six Nations community. They are a result of the efforts of Elda “Bun” Smith and the Mohawk Pottery studio members. For instance, Elda and Oliver Smith passed down their knowledge to their son Steve. He started making pottery at 12 years of age. Steve Smith broke away from the historical tradition. He incorporates studio clay, vibrant colour palettes, dynamic compositions, tribal stories and animated iconography into his work. Like his mother before him, he is now recognized as one of Canada’s most important potters. Six Nations pottery is now one of the most collectable and sought after art objects from Canada. Their work resides in the collections of the Canadian Museum of History, the National Museum of the American Indian (US) and many others. Its successes are not only felt through individuals and groups in Six Nations. This success is felt throughout the province of Ontario as well as in other Indigenous communities across North America.
Such items are treasured and rarely come to market as most are in collections.