Early, Max

Max Early was born in San Diego, CA in August 1963. His mother was of the Cochiti Pueblo Turkey Clan, his father of the Cochiti Bear Clan. However, he was also the grandson of Clara Acoya Encino and he learned how to make pottery from her and from Gladys Paquin. Then he married Bertha Martin of Cochiti and moved to her home there. He was active in the marketplace starting around 1991, making mostly polychrome bowls, jars, canteens and effigy pots. He also made drums and moccasins.

Max collaborated in making pottery sometimes with Bertha while they were raising three children (Maria Rose, Alan and David) and before they got divorced.

Some Awards earned by Max

• 2012 Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market: Judge’s Award – Jody Naranjo. Awarded for artwork: “American Holiday Creche”
• 1998 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II – Pottery, Division E – Traditional pottery, jars, Category 1205 – Jars, Laguna: Honorable Mention
• 1997 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II – Pottery, Division E – Traditional pottery, jars, painted designs on matte or semi-matte surface, Category 1205 – Jars, Laguna: Third Place
• 1997 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II – Pottery, Division F – Traditional pottery, painted designs on matte or semi-matte surface, all forms except jars, Category 1305 – Wedding vases: Third Place
• 1995 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II – Pottery, Division Category 1404 – Other bowl forms: Third Place
• 1995 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II – Pottery, Division Category 1411 – Nativity scenes: Second Place, shared with Bertha Early
• 1994 Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Fellowship. Note: recipient of the Carole Howe and Douglas Ribbeck Fellowship