About the Artist

(1935-2003) was the grandson of the first Hopi potter to gain fame, Nampeyo. Like his grandmother, Tom brought a great deal of innovation into Hopi pottery, mostly seen in his relief designs. His work also includes the placement of symbols and brilliant use of abstraction. His pottery is recognizable also by his use of the themes of clouds, storms and eagle feathers.

Tom was considered to be a pioneer in two very distinct areas:  the deep carving technique used in pottery and in being the first Hopi man to make pottery. As if that wasn't enough, he was groundbreaking in creating not only carved images of his designs but painted ones as well.