LaDonna Victoriano

Acoma Pueblo

Born into Acoma Pueblo in October 1968, LaDonna Victoriano was the daughter Michael and Pamela Victoriano. Pamela is a painter. LaDonna said she was influenced in her own painting by watching her mother paint as she was growing up. But LaDonna is a self-taught potter. She's been producing pottery for the marketplace for more than 10 years. Her siblings Danielle, Billie and Byron are also potters.

LaDonna was an invited participant in several Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival benefits for the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe. She has also has participated in exhibitions of her pottery at Lexington University and at William & Lee University.

LaDonna said she gets inspired by walking in the world and looking at the leaves, the trees, the clouds and any ancient potsherds she comes across. She almost always carries a sketch pad with her to make drawings of rock art and other designs she finds interesting. She also said that when she's making or decorating her pottery, she prefers to put on loud heavy metal music "so no one bothers me while I'm working."