Naranjo, Joe

Joseph G. Naranjo learned how to make pottery from his mother, Isabel Naranjo, as he was growing up. He was making carved blackware jars and bowls before he met and married Eunice Maize, a Dineh woman.

After they were married, Eunice moved to Joe’s home at Santa Clara Pueblo. She had learned to weave as she grew up but said she didn’t have the patience needed for it. So Joe taught her how to make pottery. Together they started participating in the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show in the mid-1990s.

Joe generally makes the pieces, Eunice sands them, Joe carves them, polishes them and fires them. On some pieces Joe’s cousin, Kevin Naranjo, adds some sgraffito designs.