“When you are an artist, you create from your mind…and that’s how we do…everything that I create is one of a kind.”—Zuni artist, Veronica Poblano
To discriminating Native American jewelry collectors, the name Veronica Poblano is synonymous with bold style, impeccable quality and master craftsmanship. The artist, a native of Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico, is the daughter of late legendary Zuni fetish carver and jewelry maker Leo Poblano. While Veronica was always privy to her father’s discussions about jewelry-making, she learned basic lapidary work from her mother, and is a self-taught jewelry designer as well as a table sculpture and fetish carver. Veronica is the matriarch of a family in which every member is a star in his or her own right—from son Dylan Poblano, to daughter and son-in-law Jovanna Poblano and Daniel Chattin.
I first met Veronica and her son Dylan at Andrews Pueblo Pottery and Art Gallery back in February. They had just returned from a showing of their work at an event at the Bryant Park Hotel Loft during the prestigious New York Fashion Week. I was impressed at how down-to-earth and open both she and Dylan were. We made plans in advance for me to come by their booth at the 2010 Heard Museum Guild’s Indian Fair and Market to speak with Veronica about her family’s rich artisan history, her work as a contemporary Native American artist and how she has passed that ability and interest down to her children.
This was, perhaps, one of my favorite interviews that I did at the Heard Museum because Veronica felt comfortable enough to truly speak candidly about her father, her views on art, and her family’s legacy. Whether you are a fan of Zuni jewelry or fetishes, or both, please check out my video interview with Veronica Poblano HERE.
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