A PAIR OF BLACK POTTERY: MELVIN MOQUINO AND CAVAN GONZALES. A pair of blackware Santa Clara / New Mexico signed and decorated vases. Small vase signed by Melvin Moquino (American, born 1966; dimensions: 3 x 4 in) and the taller vase titled "Eagle Tail" with sgrafitto feather design is signed Cavan Gonzales, Tse-whang -- Eagle Tail (American, born 1970, dimensions: 4.25 x 6 in). Estimate $600-800
Note: Cavan Gonzales - Tse-whang - Eagle Tail, San Ildefonso Pueblo, grew up around pottery and that is what he is best known for, however, earlier in his life, he produced paintings. Cavan's mother is Barbara Gonzales, a highly respected potter. His grandmother was Anita Martinez and his great-grandmother was Santana Martinez and, of course, his great-great-grandmother was Maria Martinez. How could one grow up in such surroundings and not become a famous and accomplished painter and potter.
Cavan also received formal art training at the prestigious Alfred University where he learned the science of ceramics and the history of world art. In 1988, Cavan was awarded the Presidential Scholar Award from the White House in Washington, D.C.
