Suina, Jeff

Born in 1972, Jeff Suina is a potter from Cochiti Pueblo. The son of Joseph Henry Suina and Margaret Lorraine Suina, he didn’t grow up in the usual pottery making household, although he was surrounded by relatives who did make pottery. His mother made a few storytellers and polychrome jars and bowls over the years but his father was an educator, prominent in the changing of Native American education (as administered by government forces) so that it better fit Native Americans. Joseph was a professor at UNM for about 25 years, then he was involved in tribal politics for another couple decades.

Jeff grew up in a home full of opportunity of all sorts. When we asked him what he might like the world to know about him, other than that he’s a potter, he responded that he’s a sci-fi nerd who enjoys flying drones and he loves heavy metal music.

Jeff says he learned the basics of making pottery from his mother but he had some help from Virgil Ortiz with learning how to prepare his materials. Like many potters, Jeff didn’t really put his hands in clay until he was in his 30s. Then Clay Mother took over.

His favorite shapes to make are asymmetrical. His favorite designs include stars and other astronomical objects as he says he gets inspiration from astronomy and from quantum mechanics, physics, current events and the world of plants.

Jeff has participated in the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Bernalillo Arts Festival, where he earned a Best in Show award for an asymmetrical geometric piece.

Some Recent Awards Earned by Jeff

• 2023 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II-E Contemporary, Category 909 – Traditional style pottery (kiln fired/post-fired painting), First Place