Susan Peterson has written a beautiful book, "Pottery By American Indian Women: The Legacy of Generations", with compilations of some of the most beautiful pottery I have ever seen. Her photo images of the pottery, the women who made it and showing them at their work gives us a very vivid and colorful portrait of the women and their art.

Ms. Peterson began her work as a ceramic professor at the University of Southern California in 1955 and taught in their summer art program at the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts in 1957. She actually became familiar with the art of Native American pottery at the tender age of eight, when she travelled with her family in the 1930's, visiting pueblos and making a point to stop at San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico on each trip. She met and became familiar with many of the women artists, their lifestyle and history of their art over the years.

Ms. Peterson has written other books on this wonderful art form. One of them, "The Living Tradition of Maria Martinez", with 88 pages of color photographs of the pottery, the process, and the people. That book was awarded the "National Cowboy Hall of Fame American Heritage Oscar" as the best western art book of 1978. I am sure "The Legacy of Generations" will bring more awards and praises. She has had the pottery and the women who made it have been in exhibitions which she curated at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, in Washington, D.C., The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., and the American Contemporary Art Gallery in New York City. Ms Peterson spent three years seaching for masterpiece examples and another year writing "The Leagacy of Generations".

The format for Ms. Peterson's book gives us a very good picture of the history of these particular women mentioned in this book, starting with the "Matriarchs", coming down to the next generation of the "Matrilineal Line" then concluding with the "Avant-Garde", the newest generation. This gives us a wonderful history of these artists, their technique, their spirituality and family history.

In "The Legacy of Generations", Ms. Peterson explains the importance of preservation of Indian art in today's world culture. It is one of the great and most beautiful expressions to preserve for the world. She explains the traditions, history, traditional rules, ways and methods that have been handed down from generation to generation. She starts with the Matriarchs and the strict traditions they began with then ends with the newer generation who are forging new condepts, but still based on their culture.

The photographs are so lovely that it makes one want to plan a trip to visit the peublos and other areas mentioned in the book where these beautiful and collectible pots can be found. Her book is steeped with tradition and culture.

There are so many different styles, designs and concepts in the book that it is a pure joy to anyone interested in pottery or fine art. The 'black on black', the 'red on red', the traditional, and the figurines are amazingly desirable. I have decided I must get some of the figurines, especially the 'storytellers' that are so endearing. You will truly enjoy this marvelous book and all the information provided. It is a masterpiece itself. Treat yourself to a wonderful experience with this beautiful book to save and treasure. You can find the book at the link below.

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