Linda Tafoya-Sanchez

Linda Tafoya-Sanchez was born in 1962, the granddaughter of Margaret Tafoya of the Santa Clara Pueblo. She began making pots at the age of 12, encouraged by her parents Lee and Betty Tafoya who worked together on pottery to support 4 children. At the age of 20 she turned to pottery full-time, learning as much as she could from her parents. When they passed away she began working with her aunt, Mary Esther Archuleta who she credits with being her mentor.

The recipient of numerous awards over the years from the Santa Fe Indian Market, Eight Northern Pueblos, the Heard Museum and held in public and private collections including that of the King of Spain, Linda works in classic Santa Clara style. Creating both red and black pottery, her deeply carved designs, a feature of traditional Santa Clara pottery are so clean and precise, it is hard to believe they are done by hand. In addition, she often uses a micaceous slip in decorating. The contrast of highly polished black clay and deep shadows created by carved lines results in a stunning play of light and shadow.

1n 2006, Linda Tafoya married Randy Sanchez of the San Ildefonso Pueblo where she lives and works today.