Russell Sanchez

Russell Sanchez is a world-renowned Pueblo Indian potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, in the United States. He was born in 1963 and learned the art of pottery making from his mother, Rose Naranjo Sanchez, and his aunt, Desideria Montoya Sanchez. His family has a long tradition of pottery making that goes back generations, and Russell Sanchez has continued this legacy by becoming one of the most celebrated potters of his generation.

Sanchez is known for his exquisite, handmade pottery that combines traditional Pueblo techniques with innovative designs and materials. His work is highly prized by collectors and museums around the world, and he has won numerous awards for his artistry.

Sanchez’s pottery is distinctive for its thin walls, intricate designs, and matte black finish. He achieves this finish by polishing the surface of the pottery with a smooth stone, which compresses the clay particles and gives it a silky texture. He also uses traditional firing techniques, including outdoor firing and reduction firing, which give his pottery a distinctive, earthy look.

In addition to his skill as a potter, Russell Sanchez is also known for his innovative designs, which incorporate a wide range of motifs, including geometric patterns, animals, and figures from Pueblo mythology. He has also experimented with new materials, such as adding mica and micaceous clay to his pottery, which gives it a shimmering, metallic finish.

Russell Sanchez has received many honors for his pottery, including the Native American Heritage Award from the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. His pottery is highly sought after by collectors and is included in the collections of many museums, including the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.