Jody Naranjo Biography

B 1969

Recognized internationally as New Mexico’s premier contemporary pottery artist, Jody Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo) commands a distinctive presence in the Native Arts idiom. Born into one of the most renowned pottery-crafting families in Southwest history – she still uses the polishing stones handed down from her famed grandmother, Rose.

Masterfully executed, her motifs and styling emerge from the pottery with their own signature verve – born from centuries-old techniques and tradition, actually re-defined by the groundbreaking artist. Naranjo, herself, continues to dig and process the clay from the land of her native Santa Clara Pueblo. Never using a wheel or kiln, the artist is overwhelmingly acknowledged as a true master of the art form, skillfully adhering to the traditional coil method and pit firing process perfected by her ancestors.

From a humble beginning selling under Santa Fe’s famed portal she has garnered a place atop international collectors’ lists. Naranjo has earned a list of top awards at the nation’s leading venues, including the most coveted “Best of Show” award at the Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market. Her Awards include scores of “1st Place”, “Best of Division”, and “Best of Class” awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market, Eiteljorg Museum, and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market. As of fall 2008, she has “sold-out” over 75 solo exhibitions around the globe.

Naranjo’s masterpieces in clay have earned permanent placement in important public and private collection in the world, including the acclaimed private collection of Jane and Bill Buchsbaum; the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture; and the Smithsonian, Heard, Panhandle-Plains, and Eiteljorg Museums.