Tenorio, Franklin

Franklin Tenorio was born to Emilino B. Tenorio and Petra G. Tenorio at Santo Domingo Pueblo in September 1961. Franklin always told us he was 7/8ths Santo Domingo and 1/8th Zuni. He says his style was influenced mainly by his grandmother, Lupe B. Tenorio, and his style encompasses the best of traditional and contemporary designs and styles unique to Santo Domingo Pueblo.

He began making pottery in 1990 under the tutelage of his sisters, Vicky T. Calabaza and Anna Marie Tenorio. Vickie and Anna Marie had learned from their grandmother, the same woman who gave Robert Tenorio pointers on how to use Santo Domingo clay.

Franklin learned to use clay taken from clay pits near the pueblo and to process that clay to remove impurities in it. He learned to make pottery using the hand-coil method, how to make his slips and colors from other clays and from vegetation found in the area. He learned to use the same tools, materials and techniques that have been used by Pueblo potters since time immemorial.

He favored using birds and clouds for his design elements, along with old-time traditional imagery taught him by his grandmother Lupita.

Franklin most active mentor was Thomas Tenorio. While they were only distantly related, Thomas was Franklin’s source of materials, design research and marketing ideas. Thomas’ generosity of spirit in helping Franklin was admirable.

Franklin’s favorite pottery shapes to make were flying-saucer jars, flat-topped vases and traditional dough bowls. He also said his inspiration arose from inside himself and forced him to express through making his pottery. Sadly, Franklin passed on in December, 2022.