Rose B. Simpson: Journeys of Clay

A catalog-cum-genealogical record introduces the clay works of Rose B. Simpson, who derives inspiration from matrilineal traditions

This gorgeously produced monograph presents the work of the New Mexico-based mixed-media artist Rose B. Simpson (born 1983). Informed by three maternal generations of ceramicists, Simpson creates androgynous clay figures that tackle the emotional and existential impacts of living in a postmodern and postcolonial world. The volume explores Simpson's artistic evolution and examines the influence of Indigenous ceramic traditions passed down by her mother, Roxanne Swentzell, her grandmother, Rina Swentzell, and her great-grandmother, Gia Rose Naranjo. Weaving together object plates, family photographs and installation images, the hardcover publication features a coated fabric casing and Swiss binding. Creative writing by Simpson and essays by her relatives are accompanied by scholarly texts from Arden Sherman, Pamela Solares, Beata Tsosie-Pena and Ghislain d'Humieres.