Jemez Pueblo

Dory Sandia is a full blooded Native American Indian. He was born in 1968 into the Jemez Pueblo. He is a member of the Pumpkin Clan.

He learned the traditional way of hand coiling pottery from his mother, Sharon Sarracino. Sharon taught Dory all the fundamentals of hand coiling pottery using the ancient traditional methods which were passed down to her from her ancestors before her. The lucrative aspect of the business played a key role in Dory’s decision to become an artist, and also to continue the long lived tradition of his people.

Dory specializes in hand coiled and hand painted contemporary two-toned, hand polished pottery bowls, plates, and wedding vases. Dory gathers his natural clays, and harvests his natural plants from within the Jemez Pueblo. He breaks down the clumps of clay into a fine powder and hand mixes the powder with sand to temper the clay. He begins the hand coiling process by rolling the clay into snake like coils and builds the vessels to his desired shape.

He sets his pieces out to dry and when they are fully dried he sands them down for a smooth finish, then, the vessels are ready for painting and polishing. He hand paints flowers, kiva steps, geometric patterns, corn symbols, and sunfaces, which symbolizes prosperity. Finally, he fires his pottery in a kiln after he stone polishes the desired areas.

Dory signs his pottery as: Dory Sandia/Jemez, N.M.

He is related to: Johnny Sandia (father), Sharon Sarracino (mother), Margaret Sarracino (grandmother), Frank Sarracino (grandfather), Renee Sandia (sister), Adrian Sandia, and Ben Sandia (brothers).

Awards:
-None to date
Publications:
-Southern Pueblo Pottery 2,000 Artist Biographies