Peynetsa, Anderson

Anderson Peynetsa was born to Charles and Wilma Peynetsa of Zuni Pueblo in 1964. Like his sisters Agnes and Priscilla, Anderson learned to make pottery the traditional way when he took Jennie Laate‘s classes at Zuni High School (he actually earned his way into the class while in 8th grade). He became one of Jennie’s star pupils and he’s been making pottery ever since.

Anderson married Avelia Peynetsa and they had two children: Anderson Jamie Peynetsa and Ashley Peynetsa. Jamie learned how to make pottery from his folks and through taking ceramics courses at Zuni High and became an award-earning potter as a teenager.

Anderson and Avelia collaborated in making pottery for many years but now, she mostly works with their son, Jamie.

Anderson has earned many ribbons through participating in shows at the Tucson Fine Arts Museum, Eight Northern Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show at Ohkay Owingeh (NM), the Heard Museum Indian Art Fair and Market in Phoenix, the Zuni Show at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff and at the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Anderson’s favorite shapes to make are the water jar and the duck pot (with owl and parrot variations). His pottery sizes vary from just a few inches high and in diameter to 18″ tall and 16″ across. His favorite designs to paint are his signature “Walking Deer with Heart Line” design, traditional Zuni patterns and other geometric designs. He told us he gets his inspiration from seeing what others are doing in the art, pottery and jewelry worlds at Zuni Pueblo.

Anderson also says he was inspired by Jennie Laate to help rebuild the legacy of pottery making at Zuni Pueblo and he’s always surprised at the impact he has had on the pueblo. And he always recommends learning to make pottery the traditional way, especially for the meditation and healing aspects of the process.