Marilyn Ray
Acoma
Pueblo Mana
6" total
height
In my opinion there are only
a handful of storyteller makers that really stand out distinctively.
This list would include the matriarch, Helen Cordero, her protege,
Ada Suina, Joyce Sisneros, Tony Dallas, and Marilyn Ray.
This is a delightful figurine
featuring two children, a zia bird pot, two kittens, a bird,
two butterflies, and ladybug, and her traditional hairstyle is
a nice finishing touch.
Marilyn Ray is a member of
the Yellow Corn Clan and born in 1954 into the Acoma Pueblo.
She began experimenting with clay at the age of 12. Marilyn was
inspired to learn the art of working with clay from observing
her grandmother, the late Dolores S. Sanchez, work with her clay.
She had mastered all the fundamentals
by the age of 18 and has established herself as one of the finest
Storyteller makers of our time. Her storytellers have been commented
as being among the largest, most complex and innovative styles.
Marilyn specializes in handmade
sculptures like storytellers, small children, nativities, animals,
and friendship bowls. She gathers her clay and other natural
pigments from within the Acoma Pueblo. The clay and sand is prepared
by drying, grinding, and sifting before it is mixed with water
to produce the medium (weight of clay).
The clay sculptures are then
hand molded, air dried, and painted. Finally, they are fired
outdoors, the traditional way. The colors used on her sculptures
are also provided from plants and minerals.
Marilyn combines her skills
in both traditional pottery making and figurative work. She signs
her sculptures as: Marilyn Ray, Acoma, N.M. followed by a hand
drawn lizard. She is related to: Rebecca Lucario, Judy Lewis,
Diane Lewis, Carolyn Concho (sisters), Katherine Lewis (mother),
and Sharon Bernard-Lewis (sister-in-law).
Marilyn has received numerous
awards at various art shows. The smiles and appreciation from
those who admire and collect her artwork gives her great pride
and honor at what she loves to do.