White clay slip adds mystery and modesty to this sculptural portrayal of two bears embracing in what could be a dance celebrating their anniversary. (Gift hint.) D. Andrew Rodriquez is its Laguna Pueblo creator.

Laguna is a relatively young Pueblo by New Mexico standards. It was recognized in 1699 from a patchwork of migrant communities from nearby pueblos. It also is relatively small in population resulting in fewer artists than some other Pueblos. It is about 47 miles west of Albuquerque and easily accessed from I-40, the successor to the fabled Route 66 that musicians got their “kicks”.

Nevertheless, Andrew’s potential for stardom as a pottery artist led him to attend the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, where he studied sculpture under the renowned Allen Houser. He earned a degree in Fine Arts with distinction from the University of New Mexico.

Andrew's work in sculptures and clay relief plaques employs traditional firing and slip/stone polishing techniques. His work reflects his Native American heritage with a beguiling contemporary context. His images use simplicity of line and form to create movement and subtle elegance.