Pablita Velarde
1918 – 2006
Pablita Velarde, also known as Tse Tsan (Golden Dawn) of Santa Clara Pueblo ranks among the great Twentieth Century Native artists of the American Southwest. Initially she worked with watercolor, turning later to ‘earth paintings’ which she created using the traditional technique of grinding her own pigments by hand from minerals and rocks. Natural pigments lent greater natural authenticity to her paintings, were mixed with a binder, and applied to a hard surface (usually Masonite). A high degree of skill was required to achieve the smooth even color fields she created.
Amidst a rapidly changing world Velarde like many Native artists sought to conserve their culture through artwork. The meticulous attention Velarde paid to detail combined with the cultural themes she depicted make her work valuable historical records. Her vignettes of conserve the dignity, beauty, and traditions for her culture for future generations.
Velarde’s interests extended beyond conserving traditions. She transcended the cultural norms of her time and endeavored to create change that would brighten the future for her community.
During her time painting was not considered woman’s work within her culture. A woman’s responsibilities were limited and through her work she expressed themes relating to women’s interests. An outspoken women’s rights advocate, her progressive example and strength of character continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams, goals, and interests.
Velarde’s distinguished career spanned decades and was crowned with a slew of awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Women's Caucus for Art in 1990, and she was among a small contingent of Native artists to receive the ‘Palmes d'Academiques' from the French Government in 1954. Her work can be found in numerous private and public collections.
