Caroline Elliot
Santa Clara
Antelope Dancers
4 3/4"
H x 3 1/2" D
Caroline Elliot was born Forrest
Naranjo in 1963 into the Santa Clara Pueblo. She began making
pottery back in 1986 at the age of 23. Caroline specializes in
the handmade Sienna style or technique, which the Naranjo family
is known for today. The Sienna firing is a color in between that
of the traditional black or red.
Although Caroline has spent
little time living in or around the the pueblo, she has developed
a great talent as an innovative potter from Santa Clara.
Her father, Tito Naranjo,
was a university professor, thus Caroline was raised away from
the pueblos. This is no doubt why her pottery has a very contemperary
feel and often incorporates designs that reflect her interests
rather than pueblo life.
Caroline admits that she took
up pottery to earn a living and was inspired by her relatives.
In as much as her father's siblings are Jody Folwell, Dolly Naranjo,
Nora Naranjo- Morse and Michael Naranjo (sculptor) it is understandable
why her pottery took the direction it did. Her sister is the
well known potter Dusty Naranjo and her mother is a Taos potter,
Bernice Suazo Naranjo.
Caroline mixes, hand coils,
shapes, etches, and fires her pottery the traditional way, outdoors.
She now signs her pottery as: C.E.
The pottery of this noted
artist is known for its sensuous polish, rich brown tonalities
and swooping, curved, sgrafitto designs - often of animal and/or
plant life. Every motif is meticulously detailed, as well. The
forms are luscious and the designs graceful, whatever the subject
matter. Collectors and show judges nation-wide have applauded
Caroline's fine work.
Publications:
-Southwestern Pottery Anasazi to Zuni
-Pueblo Indian Pottery 750 Artist Biographies
ieces are signed C.E. reflecting her recent name change.
The pottery of this noted artist is known for its sensuous
polish, rich brown tonalities and swooping, curved, sgrafitto
designs - often of animal and/or plant life. Every motif is meticulously
detailed, as well. The forms are luscious and the designs graceful,
whatever the subject matter. Collectors and show judges nation-wide
have applauded Caroline's fine work.
