Margaret and Luther Gutierrez facts for kids
Margaret Gutierrez (born 1936) and Luther Gutierrez (1911–1987) were a talented brother and sister team. They were Native American potters from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. Their family had been making pottery for many generations. Margaret and Luther continued the special polychrome style of painting. This style was made famous by their parents, Lela and Van Gutierrez.
Margaret started learning pottery from her mother when she was just twelve years old. Luther's father taught him how to find and prepare the clay. Margaret and Luther began creating pottery together in the 1960s.
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Unique Pottery Creations
Margaret and Luther used special color mixes for their painted pottery. Their first pieces included polychrome bowls, jars, and wedding vases. These often featured designs of the Avanyu (a water serpent), rain, clouds, lightning, and sky bands.
In the 1970s, they had a new idea. Instead of just making large jars like their parents, they started creating colorful animal figures. They also made other small figurines. These were painted with the same special colors and pigments used on their earlier works.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Margaret and Luther's work was shown in important exhibitions. In 1974, they were part of the Seven Families in Pueblo Pottery show. This exhibition was held at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico.
In 1976, their pottery was also featured in a gallery show. This show took place at the Popovi Da Studio of Indian Arts in Santa Fe.
Continuing the Artistic Legacy
After Luther passed away, Margaret continued making pottery. Luther's daughter, Pauline, helped her for a short time. Sadly, Pauline also passed away soon after.
Today, Margaret works with her great-niece, Stephanie Naranjo. The special multicolored polychrome pottery style is not as common now. However, Luther’s son Paul, his wife Dorothy, and their son Gary, continue the family tradition. They create blackware mudhead figures and animalitos (small animals) in large numbers.
Notable Works
- Ceramic plaque or dish, 20th century, 3/4 x 5 x 3 7/8 in. (1.91 x 12.7 x 9.84 cm), MIA collection, Minneapolis, MN.
