Madeline E. Naranjo

Santa Clara Pueblo

Madeline E. Naranjo

Madeline Naranjo and Adrian Garcia are potters from Santa Clara Pueblo. Madeline has been making pottery since 1991, after being taught the traditional skills by her paternal grandmother (who was also named Madeline Naranjo). Madeline's husband, Adrian Garcia, is a respected sgraffito artist in his own right. Effie Garcia, Adrian's mother, is a renowned Santa Clara potter skilled in the deep-carving technique.

Madeline and Adrian's work is a collaboration of skills: Madeline makes the basic pots and does the polishing while Adrian does most of the firing. Their work is usually black in color, made from clay that is turned black in the firing process. Both artists design and carve their pots using a deep-carving method to create their distinctive patterns. Deep carving is a difficult technique since an artist cannot carve too deeply into the clay without damaging or destroying the pot.

Madeline and Adrian's wares are respected for their highly polished finish and meticulous designs. They earned Second and Third Place awards at the 2000 Santa Fe Indian Market. While they use the traditional methods of producing their pottery, they often add a unique contemporary flair.