Dolly Joe Navasie

Artist Profile

Dolly Joe Navasie, “White Swann”, member of the Water Clan, was born in 1964 into the Hopi-Tewa Reservation. She is the daughter of the famous Eunice “Fawn” Navasie. White Swann was taught the fundamentals of traditional pottery making at the age of 6 from her maternal grandmother, Poli-Ini. The famous, late Eunice “Fawn” Navasie taught White Swann to paint traditional designs at the age of 17.

White Swann specializes in the handmade traditional Hopi pottery. All her pottery is made from Mother Earth. She uses yucca which she fashions into a paint brush to paint her intricate designs. Iron oxide rock is used for the maroon coloration whereas the yellow clay provides the orange finish. She uses a polishing stone to polish her pottery which was passed down to her from Poli-ini. White Swann is a strong believer in continuing family traditions. She is proud of making pottery because it is the way of life that has been passed down to her from her ancestors. She has mentored her children so they too can take part in the tradition which she is so proud to be a part of and hopes they will continue this unique style of art which she holds dear to her heart. Dolly Joe signs her pottery: White Swann followed by a graceful swan symbol.