SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Laura Gachupin

Name
Laura Gachupin
Tribe
Pueblo of Jemez
Classification(s)
Pottery
Website

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
SFT W 523
SFIM24
SFT W 523
WIM25

2025 Best of Show Awards

First Place
-
Second Place
Iid: Category 805 - Figures, Including Sets in Pottery
Honorable Mentions
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2024 Best of Show Awards

First Place
Iib. Category 604 - Painted Polychrome, Any Form, In The Style Of Jemez, Zia, Santa Ana, Sandia, San Felipe, Or Isleta in Pottery
Second Place
Iia. Category 504 - Melon Bowls And Melon Jars, Formed Or Carved in Pottery
Honorable Mentions
Iib. Category 605 - Figures/Manas in Pottery
Portfolio Example & Materials Statement
Laura Gachupin

I use traditional clay from Jemez Pueblo, NM. I also utilize temper, also from Jemez Pueblo to mix with my clay. A combination of the clay and temper allows me to shape the clay into pots and figurines. When I form a pot/olla or figurine, I use the coil method to create the vessels. I then smooth the coils with a gourd scraper. Once my pottery has dried, I use sandpaper to smooth the piece(s). When the piece(s) have been smoothed, I use a wet brush or sponge to remove the excess clay dust from the pottery. When it is dry, I then use traditional Jemez slips to paint the vessel and I use a stone to burnish/polish it. The last step is the traditional outdoor firing or kiln firing, depending upon the weather.