Jemez Pueblo

Mary I. Lucero, “Walatowa”, is a full blooded Native American Indian. She was born into the Jemez Pueblo in 1957.

She was inspired to learn the art of hand coiling and hand pinching pottery, using ancient traditional methods passed to her by her Sister, Virginia Lucero.

She learned to construct storytellers at the age of 20 in 1977. Working with clay is also a supplement of income to help raise her children.

Mary specializes in the handmade pueblo style storytellers. She gathers her own clay from the sacred grounds within the Jemez Pueblo. Then, she cleans the clay, mixes, hand coils, shapes, paints, and fires her clay sculptures using ancient methods used by her ancestors. She uses all natural pigments for colors to accent her pottery. Mary was also taught the fundamentals of hand coiling pottery.

However, she enjoys making her storytellers thoroughly. According to Mary it is a wonderful way to relax and clear your mind of all the stress involved with being a parent and working full time.

Mary signs her pottery as: M.I. Lucero, Jemez.

Mary is related to the following artists: Virginia A. Lucero (sister), and Carol Gachupin (cousin).

Awards:
-None to date
Publications:
-Southern Pueblo Pottery 2,000 Artist Biographies
-Southwestern Indian Foundation Catalog