Gutierrez, Teresa

Teresa Gutierrez was born into Santa Clara Pueblo in 1933, the daughter of Rosita Velarde and sister of Victoria Gutierrez and Alfred Velarde. She learned how to make pottery through watching and working with her mother.

Teresa mostly made carved redware and blackware jars, bowls, vases, miniatures, wedding vases and figures, usually of seals. She developed her own unique carving style and usually added a matte line around her edges, creating a cameo-like effect. Between 1979 and 1999 she earned multiple awards for her pottery at Santa Fe Indian Market.

Marie Suazo, Carol Velarde and Doris Tenorio are Teresa’s daughters. They all learned how to make pottery from her and they’ve always made pottery similar to hers.