Acoma Pueblo


Leland Robert Vallo “Pinion Mesa”, is a full blooded Native American Indian, who was born in 1969 into the Acoma Pueblo.

He was inspired by many famous artists, like Dorothy Torivio, to continue the long lived tradition of hand coiling pottery using ancient methods. He began making pottery in 1991.

Leland specializes in the hand coiled Tularosa Swirl pattern pottery. He gathers his clay from grounds within the Acoma Pueblo along with other natural pigments. He cleans his clay, mixes, hand coils, shapes, paints, and fires his pottery, outdoors.

He hand coils many different shapes and sizes of pottery like seed pots, wedding vases, and bowls. He also paints animals, mimbres designs, and incorporates Kiva step patterns into his designs. He also paints on ceramic ware from time to time. Leland states that he is still amazed at the quality of the artwork that Native Americans produce today.

However, his biggest inspiration thrives from memories that he has from his mother who is no longer with him and his best friend, the late Marie Vallo.

He signs his pottery as: L. Vallo, Acoma, N.M.

Awards:
-1996 New Mexico State Fair 1st Place
-1997 New Mexico State Fair 2nd Place
-1998 New Mexico State Fair 3rd Place
Publications:
-Southern Pueblo Pottery 2,000 Artist Biographies