"SPIRIT OF THE SEASONS" FIGURINE

This Painted Pony is part of The Tribal Collection. It honors authentic Native American arts and heritage: Artist Caroline Carpio is a Pueblo native and an award-winning potter who adds unique twists to the shapes and designs of her pottery. Wanting to honor the horse for its ability to live in harmony with nature, she adorned her Pony with embossed designs that symbolize the natural forces a horse endures during the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Artfully accompanied by a traditional Native American pot decorated with a with a Kiva step pattern, this elegant Painted Pony captures the magic of the original Masterwork, which was one of the Heard Museum Guild 50th Anniversary Painted Ponies benefiting the American Indian Student Art Endowment.

Caroline lives in the Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico "because it keeps me connected with my native language and culture." Her studio is surrounded by fields, where she can hear the mourning doves coo and watch the grass sway on a breezy day. She loves quietness; as the saying goes, "Quietness awakens the soul." There are many heroes in her life. First and foremost are her ancestors, the elders, traditional people and tribal leaders who are committed to keeping their culture alive. Self-employed artists are also her heroes because she knows how much work, dedication, self-discipline and sacrifice goes into making a business of one's art.

• Resin
• Measures 7"
• Artist: Caroline Carpio (Pueblo)