Forrest Naranjo

From NativeWiki

Forrest Naranjo (b. 1963) (Santa Clara Pueblo/Taos Pueblo) is the son of Professor Tito Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo) and Berenice Suazo Naranjo (Taos Pueblo). Dusty Naranjo is his sister.

Forrest learned to make pottery from his mother although the potters in his extended family have all influenced him. He specializes in handmade Sienna-style pottery, for which his family is known today. This technique, which first came into being in the 1960’s, involves firing to result in a color between the traditional black and red. He uses the sgrafito technique of using steel blades to scrape through the outer dark layer into the slip beneath that is still reddish in color. Cutting deeper exposes the tan of the clay body. his pottery has a very contemperary feel and often incorporates designs that reflect his interests rather than pueblo life. For example, Forrest has done pottery with bicyclists and others with undersea life. These reflect his years spent racing mountain bikes (1995 NM State Champion) and more recently, his interest his scuba diving. He has also spent a number of years as a dance instructor.

Forrest is the grandson of Rose Naranjo, nephew of Dr. Rina Swentzell, Dr. Tessie Naranjo, potter Jody Folwell, sculptors Michael Naranjo and Nora Naranjo-Morse and potters Dolly Naranjo and Edna Romero. She is the cousin of sculptor Roxanne Swentzell and potters Jody Naranjo, Susan Folwell and Polly Rose Folwell.