Standing Figure in Orange and Red

A glazed clay figurine of a maiden with jewelry and geometric patterns. Esta Bain uses a red iron oxide stain to enrich the color of the clay. She prefers low-fire clay to give a smooth finish. The colored glazes she uses for the blankets range from earth tones to brilliant royal blues. To some figures she adds fetishes or feathers. The result is a distinct Southwestern sculpture, which has won the Purchase Award two years in a row at the annual New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair.