Oct 20 2009
Roxanne Swentzell is a talented, internationally known ceramist and sculptor. From her Tower Gallery at the Pojoaque Visitor's Center just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico she creates marvelous works of art that may find homes in museums or in private collections. She is known for her rounded figures of indigenous people, primarily women. But her sculpting started in childhood, with simple figures that allowed her to communicate her feelings. Pottery and the making of figures, helped Roxanne through a childhood beset with speech difficulties. Even today, her figures speak for her and reach out to people, women especially, in an earthy, meaningful way. Watching Roxanne Create Pieces of a Massive Sculpture
It was a group of women writers that I joined for a morning with Roxanne and her mother at the Tower Gallery. We watched Roxanne work on a huge sculpture commissioned by the new Convention Center in Santa Fe. We enjoyed learning from and talking with both these marvelous women. It was a great way to find out about Roxanne and her work.
The sculpture of inter-connected human forms was designed to illustrate the cultures and generations of the area. And, in typical Roxanne Swentzell manner, the figures were earthy and rounded. It was a massive undertaking and I sensed that she would be very glad when it was installed in Santa Fe and she could take a breather and spend more time with her family and home on the land.
Roxanne Swentzell - The Heritage of the Artist
Roxanne Swentzell is a unique woman. Born of a Pueblo Indian mother and a German father, she began life with special gifts and challenges. The inspiration she drew from both parents and continues to draw from her unusual heritage, is evident in her work and in her philosphy of life. Her mother provided her with the wisdom of the Pueblo woman, constantly seeking balance in concert with the rhythms of the earth. From her mother she learned how to make pots and from her father, a college professor, she learned about European masters. She also learned about how to approach life with strength, courage and creativity.
Roxanne is in touch with the earth not only through her work with clay but in the building of her home on Santa Clara Pueblo land and the farming of the land. Her mother described Roxanne as at home driving a back hoe in her field and driving a ATV out to pick up her grandchild from the school bus stop. Even though firmly rooted in the New Mexico soil, Roxanne has traveled and studied extensively.
Visit the Tower Gallery
Visitors are welcome at the Tower Gallery and Studio. You can see some of Roxanne's masks, small bronzes and works in progress. If you are lucky you will be able to see Roxanne and, since her family staffs the gallery, you may have the pleasure of meeting her mother as we did.
While you are there, look at the gallery and enjoy the architecture and beauty of the building. It was Roxanne's talented family who finished the structure which is a fitting showcase for Roxanne Swentzell's works of art.
Also, be sure and see the short video of Roxanne's life and works. It is inspiring and will help you understand her work and, moreover, her life.
Address: Tower Gallery, 78 Cities of Gold Road, Pojoaque NM Map
Phone: 505-455-3037
Hours: It's always good to call ahead as hours are seasonal. The Tower Gallery website lists the winter hours as: Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM.
While in the Area
Pojoaque Visitor's Center
Puye Cliff Dwellings
