Thomas Tenorio
American, 1963
Thomas Tenorio (b. 1963), is a self-taught potter from Santo Domingo Pueblo. He began creating pottery as a personal attempt to save the ancient traditional methods that he saw dying within his Pueblo. With this deeply personal mission, he was inspired to resurrect this legacy. By reading textbooks, conducting one-on-one interviews with other potters, through research, and by trial and error, Thomas is now creating unique and contemporary work, using all-natural clay and pigments gathered within the Santo Domingo Pueblo. With traditional techniques of gathering and processing his clay and pigments, shaping his vessels, and firing outdoors, Thomas has revitalized this ancient craft. Adding his own unique and contemporary style to the traditional Santo Domingo look, he has made a name for himself within the world of collectors.