Robert Tenorio
(Santo Domingo) (Kewa)
Robert Tenorio (b. 1950) of Santo Domingo (Kewa Pueblo) is one of the most well-known Pueblo potters working today. He has been instrumental in reviving the traditions of Santo Domingo pottery. He began making pottery as a youngster – at ten years old ! abd was guided by his grandmother, Andrea Ortiz. Today he is known for his polychrome pots created in the traditional Santo Domingo style, which typically features a red base and red interior and black designs painted on a buff background. Tenorio is particularly known for his large vessels with striking geometric and nature designs inspired by centuries-old Santo Domingo pottery. All of Tenorio’s pots are constructed by hand using the traditional coil method and fired outdoors using cottonwood bark as fuel. His pigments are also created from natural organic materials, including Rocky Mountain bee weed. Tenorio studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and has won numerous awards at Santa Fe Indian Market and other prestigious Native arts shows.