Bailon, Angel

Angel Bailon was born to Marie Edna Coriz and Luciano Coriz at Santo Domingo Pueblo in December, 1968. Her mother had married into Santo Domingo from Jemez Pueblo and moved to her husband’s home at Santo Domingo. So Angel’s heritage is 1/2 Santo Domingo, 1/4 Jemez and 1/4 Laguna Pueblo. She’s been making pottery since she began learning from her mother when she was about 13 years old. Her mother had learned how to make Santo Domingo-style pottery from Robert Tenorio.

Since Angel married Ralph Bailon she has been mostly constructing their trademark jars, storytellers and nativity sets while he paints the designs.

Among the other potters in Angel’s family are Judy Toya (a well-known storyteller maker), Kathleen Wall and Adrian Wall, all of Jemez Pueblo.

The only big show Angel and Ralph participate in is the Santo Domingo Arts and Crafts Show that happens on Labor Day Weekend at Santo Domingo Pueblo.

Angel’s favorite shapes to make are angels. Ralph’s favorite designs to paint are traditional Kewa geometrics. Angel told us she gets her inspiration from her family. Angel and Ralph both say they love making their pottery and they especially love to hear when people enjoy their work.