Santa Clara Pueblo-Tewa

Julie Gutierrez was born in 1965 into the Santa Clara Pueblo.

She began experimenting with pottery at the age of 12, back in 1977. Julie was inspired by her mother, Victoria Gutierrez who is known for her handmade bowls.

She was also inspired by Effie Garcia and Sally M. Gutierrez (sisters). They taught her all the fundamentals of working with natural clays and pigments so that she could continue the long lived tradition of working with clay.

Julie specializes in the contemporary and traditional, handmade Santa Clara pottery that is etched and crafted with authentic turquoise stones.

Julie gathers all of her materials from within the Santa Clara Pueblo. She breaks down the clumps of clay to a fine powder form and mixes the clay with volcanic ash and water. She begins by forming snake like coils and begins building her pieces. Once the pottery has taken a vessel shape she sands her pieces for a fine smooth texture. Then, Julie hand etches her flowers and fires her pottery the traditional way, outdoors.

Julie’s trademark is the turquoise stones that she adds to the center of each rosette. She hand coils small animals, mushrooms, and and several different shapes of vases and bowls.

She signs her pottery as: J.A. Gutierrez, SCP.
Julie is also related to Tony and Terry Gutierrez (uncle & aunt).

Awards:
-None to date
Publications:
-Pueblo Indian Pueblo Pottery 750 Artist Biographies