Dominique is an award-winning artist whose designs are unmistakable. We were particularly impressed with the shimmering, all-black aspect of this remarkably executed "melon" jar. There are thirty-one ribs in total, and each is painstakingly carved in swirling symetrical fashion. You've seen the red, and you've seen the copper, but you probably haven't seen anything like this before! You can almost see the stars in the clear New Mexico sky.

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Artist Bio:

Dominique Toya was born into the Pueblo of the Jemez in 1971. Dominique is the daughter of Maxine Toya, who is currently one of the finest Jemez potters of our time. Maxine was the inspiration behind her interest in learning the art of working with clay.

Dominique is also related to: Laura Gachupin (Aunt), Marie G. Romero (Grandmother), the late Persingula M. Gachupin (Great Grandmother), and sister Camille Toya. Dominique is a member of the Corn Clan and has been making pottery since the age of 5.

Dominique specializes in handmade micaceous pottery. She gathers her materials (natural pigments) for her masterpieces from the grounds within the Jemez Pueblo. She cleans, mixes, hand coils, shapes, sands, fires outdoors, and polishes her own pottery.

She was quoted as saying “All the pots that I create are my favorite, because each one is a part of me.” She signs as: Dominique Toya, Jemez, followed by the corn sign to denote her clan origin.