Kevin Naranjo, “Turquoise
Mountain”, was born into the Santa Clara Pueblo in 1972.
He was inspired to learn and continue the long lived tradition
of hand coiling pottery at the age of 10 back in 1982, by his
family and his love for nature.
Kevin specializes in the hand
coiled black/sienna Santa Clara sgraffito style pottery, almost
always with a wildlife theme reflecting his interest in hunting
and fishing.
He learned to pot form his
grandmother, Ursalita Naranjo and from his mother, the noted
potter Geri Naranjo. His sister is Monica Naranjo Romero. Among
his many awards are a "Best of Division" at the 1999
Santa Fe Indian Market and a "Best of Pottery" and
the 1992 Gallup Indian Ceremonial.
Kevin gathers his own clay
from the sacred grounds within Santa Clara Pueblo. He hand mixes,
coils, shapes, crafts, and fires his pottery the traditional
way, outdoors. Kevin signs his pottery as: Kevin Naranjo, Santa
Clara Pueblo.
Joseph G. Naranjo is a potter
from Santa Clara Pueblo, and is assisted by his wife Eunice Naranjo.
He specializes in handcrafted pinched and coiled pottery. His
work is traditional with contemporary overtones. Working with
traditional forms and techniques, Joseph creates immaculate designs.
His work is pristine and magnificently polished to a high sheen.
In the tradition of his ancestors, raw materials are taken from
surrounding areas of the pueblo, and then mixed, hand formed,
burnished, and traditionally fired outside.
Joseph has received numerous
awards on occasions for his work, some of these include: -New
Mexico State Fair 2013, Best of Show in Pottery -Indian Market
2013, Honorable Mention -Indian Market 2011, Second place -New
Mexico State Fair 2010, Honorable Mention -Indian Market 2009,
First Place -Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council 2007, First
and Second Place -Indian Market 2007, Best of Division, First
and Third Place -Indian Market 2005, Best of Division, First
and Second Place
