About the Artist

(1937-2015) This Navajo potter, also known as Louise Rose Goodman, was known for her simple vessels and utilitarian objects. She learned pottery making from the renowned Navajo potter Rose Williams.

Louise turned to making animal figures during the 1980's when demand waned for her practical pottery. Her stylized bears are notable for their small heads and legs and substantial torsos. She carefully textured the surface of these bears to mimic a bear's thick fur. Goodman chose bears for her subjects as they play an important role in the lives of the Navajo people and in other Native American communities.

Navajo Pottery Traditions & Innovations by Russell Hartman and Jan Musial published in 1987 devotes four pages to Louise Goodman. She is shown holding a large vessel in one photograph, while a color photograph depicts two of her utilitarian jars, while a black and white photograph of one of her bears occupies a full page. On page 69 there is reference to her signing pots "LRG" as well as notification that she "sometimes forgets" to sign.