Clashin, Debbie

A member of the Hopi-Tewa Tobacco Clan, Debbie Clashin was born to Lorena Clashin and Morris Clashin, Sr. in 1969. Among her cousins were Dianna Tahbo, Mark Tahbo, Dorothy Ami and Larson Goldtooth.

Debbie says she was exposed to the making of pottery for most of her life but only really began to learn the art around 2010, with Dianna Tahbo as her teacher.

Debbie first showed her work in a juried competition at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff during their annual Hopi Show. She earned a First Place ribbon at that show and feels it was her tribute to her teacher.

Debbie entered a piece in the Santa Fe Indian Market juried show in 2015 and that piki bowl earned her the First Place ribbon for Utilitarian Pottery. She has since earned numerous other awards, including earning the Santa Fe Indian Market’s Helen Naha Memorial Award for Hopi Pottery in 2015 and again in 2019.

Debbie tells us her favorite shapes to make are flattened seed pots and large jars with small openings. Her favorite designs to paint are stylized interpretations of ancient Hopi designs, especially bird elements. She also tells us she is dedicated to her pottery and works hard on it but when she takes a break, she likes to get outdoors. Even if it’s just to do yard work.

Debbie says she’s just not an indoor person, she even enjoys bringing in the firewood in the heart of winter. She also tells us she loves and respects her family, that they are the most important element in her life.