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.