Owl still bank c. 1915

This owl still bank was crafted by an A'shiwi (Zuni) artist, using clay. Look at the way the artist uses repeated marks to create the owl’s feathers! The consistency and scale of each mark suggests a kind of rhythmic, almost meditative process. The texture is matte and earthy, with a muted palette dominated by creams and browns. The painted marks are applied with a steady hand, creating a pattern that covers the owl's plump body. There is a small opening for coins. I love how the artist rendered the eyes, a bright, intense orange against the softer hues of the body. This piece reminds me of the work of Rosemarie Trockel, who is also interested in serial mark making and the tension between control and chance. Art is always such a great conversation! The owl embodies so many ideas, about nature, about culture, about saving, and about seeing.