Inspiration originates from my Native Pueblo culture, we live simple & humble.
As did my Pueblo Ancestors, I also convey prayers, gratitude, joy,
and life experiences in my pottery and sculptures.
May my artwork contribute to spreading inspiration and positive energy;
and let the world know that our Indigenous people are still strong in this 21st century.
Caroline Lucero-Carpio is a Native potter and sculptor from Isleta Pueblo, NM. She is an Alumni of the University of New Mexico, and the Institute of American Indian Arts.
She has worked in clay for 40 years and in bronze for the last two & a half decades. The pottery and clay sculptures are hand-coil built from natural clay & volcanic ash that is gathered & processed, the pieces are stone polished and fired.
Caroline was one of the recipients of the 2000 SWAIA Fellowship, (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts). In 2001, she was invited to participate to be an Artist-in-Residence with an International Arts and Cultural Exchange Program in Takeo, Japan. And in 2012, was awarded the Artist of the Year by the Indian Arts and Craft Association, (IACA). Among publications, Caroline is grateful to be included in Steven Trimble's book: Talking with the Clay (2nd edition): The Art of Pueblo Pottery in the 21st Century.
Her work has been purchased for Arts in public places, Museum collections, and by many private collectors.
She was commissioned by her tribe to create two large scale bronze sculptures
for the Isleta Resort & Casino.
She states, “It was an honor, a humbling experience as well as a challenging accomplishment.”
Work in progress & finished piece. "Ma-wahn ~ Welcome" stands in front of the Isleta Resort & Casino,
Isleta Pueblo,NM.
Work in progress of Pa'Tol (old-time stick game). It is now finished and is can be viewed at the Isleta Resort & Casino, Isleta Pueblo, NM.
About
I am a lifelong resident of Isleta Pueblo; Tiwa is my first language. It's nice living in a close-knit community, we are there for each other.
As Native people, we have reverence for the land, for it provides us with food & shelter. You cannot separate Indigenous people and the land, we are always one with the Earth.
My Ancestors have always had their hands on the Earth, whether it was harvesting plants that Mother Earth provided, nurturing gardens & crops, or gathering clay for pottery. Most of us live within the earth; our Pueblo homes are made of adobes. The men would cut the adobes from the wetlands near the river or make them in wooden frames with mud & straw, and build our homes with them. The women would whitewash the interior flooring of the home and re-plaster the interior & exterior walls with white mud, it was a community effort.
My love for clay started as a kid; playing with mud always felt so good & it still does decades later. As potters we have a special connection with Clay mother, we communicate her spirit through our work, and we remind people that she is alive.
I studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts & earned an AFA degree in 1982. Initially, my interest was in Photography, however, clay had a stronger calling on me.
After college, I came back home to Isleta Pueblo & started making artwork to sell at art shows, got married, and had a son.
After years of doing art shows, I returned back to college and earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico in 1996.
And, up to the present, I continue my path in the Arts, expanding with each opportunity that is presented.
Thank you,
For taking the time to look at my site, I hope it uplifts your spirit, come & visit again or refer someone to this site if looking for a unique piece of art for the home or as a gift.
And as always, Gratitude to all my past customers for your patronage and friendship, may you all be at a good place.
Be safe everyone.
Peace & Blessings,
Caroline Lucero-Carpio
Isleta Pueblo, NM
“Carpio not only finds inspiration in the tradition of her people but also in the beauty of her surroundings and from Mother Earth. Carpio's work demonstrates strong tradition integrated with a contemporary vision. Carpio's artwork is not only moving, but her spiritual connection that she brings forth through her work resonates deep in your spirit.”
- Stephanie Love
Art Consultant at the former Canyon Fine Art Gallery, Santa Fe, NM, '15