Cecelia Benally, Navajo
My name is Cecelia Benally and I live in Churchrock, New Mexico. I was born in Rehoboth, New Mexico (just outside of Gallup) and raised at Springstead, New Mexico. My clans are Red Bottom and Edge water. I am married and have five children. I was fortunate to have been exposed to artwork since I was a child. My mother wove Navajo rugs. I used to help my mother card and spin wool. I also had a chance to herd sheep rode horses often. Everyone in my family shared a love for art and for nature. My brothers and sisters and I have found a way to express ourselves through silversmithing and pottery making. My husband Anthony and I are a team in making our Navajo etched pottery. We started making together pottery six and a half years ago. Anthony also comes from a family who make rugs, jewelry and pottery. My sister-in-law taught me many of the basic skills for pottery. From her encouragement and teaching, I became interested in making etched pottery. I feel that my husband and I work very hard as a team. We exchange different design ideas and apply them to each piece of pottery. 
Our pottery usually ranges from three inches tall, taking about thirty minutes to make, to large fifteen inch pieces that take nearly a day to make. We make some special larger pieces that often take over a day and a half to complete. We often add special designs to our work such as the Kokopelli figure, hummingbirds, feathers and other geometric designs. I enjoy being an artist because it gives me the chance to work at home and be near my family. I also have enjoyed meeting many people through selling our pottery. Some of our pieces are displayed at the Rio Grande Gallery and the Palms Trader in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Other pieces are on display at local galleries in Williams, Arizona and Thoreau, New Mexico - Navajo Co-op. I enjoy creating every piece of pottery. I know that every one of my customers are satisfied. Click on any image below to view an enlargement, more information or place an order.
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PO Box 838, Thoreau, NM 87323 - phone (505) 862-8075 For additional information email info@nativeartistsunited.org Maintained by Holden Consulting |
