Lorraine Gala Lewis

Strength from Our Ancestors

Throughout my life, I have been very fortunate to visit such historically important places as Bandelier, Puye Cliffs, Mesa Verde, and Chaco Canyon. I love walking the same paths as those walked by my ancestors, following their footsteps, feeling their presence, seeing pottery, and studying drawings. I introduce myself to my ancestors, tell them of my intentions, leave my offering, and thank the ancient ones for walking with me and showing me their home. I experience a place of gathering for our people, and feel and understand the environment and its elements. In these surroundings, I always feel a sense of renewal and balance. This is reflected in my re-creations of ancestral pottery.

My creativity deepens by my visiting these places and studying early art forms. Embedded in these locations are stories of our emergence into this world, of our livelihood, and of our spiritual journey. Such stories are evident in our traditional arts, early paintings, and rock carvings. Many mugs were found in the Mesa Verde area. These vessels served the community for both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes. When I see our ancestral pottery, the bold painting styles draw me in. The contrasting black-and-white designs are striking and the shapes distinctive. The pieces have an almost contemporary feel. These vessels capture the significance of life and our relationship to the universe.

I often wonder who made and designed this mug. Who held it and cared for it, so it could be seen hundreds of years later? I imagine the taste of water in this mug and how it brought strength to the person drinking from it, helping them in their life’s journey.

With clay, you are bringing to life a feeling that comes from within; it becomes a part of you, and everything you touch and create has a purpose.