Artist Bio:
Sharon Naranjo Garcia is from
Khapo Owingeh, Santa Clara Pueblo, a Tewa speaking pueblo located
in Northern New Mexico where the Singing Water meets the Rio
Grande. Sharon has been making pottery since she was a child,
which nurtured into a career in which she has done for over forty
years.
She was taught pottery from
her ‘Gia’ (mother), Christina Naranjo, as she was taught
from hers. The process has remained traditional in Sharon’s
work, despite the many technological advancements. She has participated
in Santa Fe Indian Market for more than thirty years.
Sharon focuses on traditional
Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery. A traditional art form that has been
passed on from generation to generation in her family. All pieces
are made by hand, using materials that have been locally gathered
and processed just as her early ancestors.
The clay is still processed
in the same manner, the clay is built up using hand coils that
are mended and shaped with hand and smooth with gourds, the pots
are dried, sanded and an additional clay slip is added and then
stone polished, the pottery is finished in a traditional outdoor
firing. Each pot is unique as each step adds its own mark to
the overall finished piece. No two pots are ever the same as
conditions and many variables are attributed.
Sharon enjoys the traditional
shapes and designs however she allows her natural surroundings
and spiritual connection to influence her designs. Working with
Pi Ehn Kweeyo (Clay Mother) keeps her connected to her family,
tradition, culture, and through her art, she is able to share
this significance.
