Russell Sanchez

Born in 1963 on the San Ildefonso Pueblo northwest of Santa Fe, Russell Sanchez grew up watching artists work, a tradition of pueblo culture. Heavily influenced by his aunt Rose Gonzales and encouraged by Dora Tse Pe, he adheres to the principles of design and methods used by his ancestors. He claims that he didn't pick pottery, that it picked him.

When he was 13 or 14 he sold his first pieces, a group of pots he set on a table in front of his house. In short order he entered a clay turtle at the Eight Northern Pueblos and received his first award. Although his work is based on tradition; the gathering of materials, molding, firing outdoors, Russell continues to innovate, refining his methods, introducing fine strands of turquoise and heishi inset in the designs and combining highly polished surfaces with warm textures and unusual colored slips.

An outdoorsman, Russell Sanchez finds inspiration in nature through color, shapes, design elements. His work regularly receives awards at exhibits throughout the southwest and is found in numerous collections including the Smithsonian.