Rainbow Mask

This enigmatic expression by Solomon speaks well of her talent, blending traditional and contemporary techniques.

(Born 1949) Verna Solomon's heritage is aligned with the Laguna pueblo. An attendant of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, later graduating from the graduate program at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, she earned her Masters in Art Education.

Recipient of many awards and honors, among them were an Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement in Exhibition Techniques from the Governor of the State Of New Mexico Colonel Aide De Camp, First place in Contemporary Pottery at the Scottsdale Fine Arts Show as well as Recognition of Outstanding Academic Achievement in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Solomon has named Ottolie Loloma in 1979, Ralph Pardinton 1980-1981 as well as Jim Suebek in 1984-1985. Solomon is cited in Rick Dillingham's book Acoma & Laguna Pottery on pages 203 - 204. "I like exchange," says Verna Solomon, a ceramic artist, teacher and museum curators, "but I also like tradition.  I have both in me and I try to show it in my art." Solomon's work exemplifies the many different currents influencing Native American art today. Trained in traditional techniques by a well-known potter, Blue Corn of San Ildefonso, and in other techniques by Anglo and Native American teachers, Solomon works in stoneware (hand-built and wheel-thrown), low-fired earthenware and rake, a Japanese technique, as well as traditional Laguna style. But as she emphasizes, "All the ideas I've ever had in my pottery have kept the Native American elements I keep in me. With the raku I've used turquoise stones or modeled kiva steps, representations of nature and some part of my southwestern upbringing."

"It is good to keep tradition so it won't die out, " maintains Verna Solomon, "but we also want the children to express themselves. If we are going to compete with non-Indians in contemporary art, we have to go with the flow."