Dorothy and Paul Gutierrez, Koyemsi figure
Dorothy and Paul Gutierrez
1940- / 1940-2017
Navajo / Santa Clara Pueblo
Classification
Ceramic
Dimensions
3 x 2 x 1 3/4 in. (7.6 x 5.1 x 4.4 cm.)
Accession Number
2021.35.30.108
Credit
Gift of Robert Fowler Dunn
Memo / Artist Statement
Dorothy and Paul specialize in storytellers, mudheads, angels, animals, ornaments and nativities, in black and red. They work as a team with Dorothy forming the figures and Paul doing the polishing and finish work. They follow the traditional methods from the first gathering of the clay through processing it, forming the pieces, polishing, defining further, then firing, praying every step of the way. As Paul once said, "They come out different each time, with different faces. It’s nice." Their creations range from miniatures to about 6 inches tall. Some of their nativities have up to 17 figures.
Biography
Paul Gutierrez was born in Santa Clara Pueblo in 1940. He was the son of Lela & Vann Gutierrez. In 1965 Paul married Dorothy “Corn Maiden”, a Navajo who was also born in 1940. Dorothy learned a bit about playing with clay while she was in day school.
Paul started working with clay at home when he was around 12 years old. Working with clay as adults, Dorothy and Paul became known for their mudhead figures. Mudheads (also known as koyemsi) usually have distorted features and are often grouped together like storytellers with their children. Working as a husband-and-wife team, Dorothy usually molded the clay and formed the figures while Paul did most of the polishing and finish work.
In 1981 Paul and Dorothy won 1st and 2nd Place ribbons for their figures. There was another 1st Place ribbon in 1983 for a traditional undecorated piece. They also exhibited at the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show at San Juan Pueblo.
Paul passed on in 2017. Dorothy is still alive but no longer makes pottery.
https://www.medicinemangallery.com/paul-gutierrez-1940-2017-biography
Paul started working with clay at home when he was around 12 years old. Working with clay as adults, Dorothy and Paul became known for their mudhead figures. Mudheads (also known as koyemsi) usually have distorted features and are often grouped together like storytellers with their children. Working as a husband-and-wife team, Dorothy usually molded the clay and formed the figures while Paul did most of the polishing and finish work.
In 1981 Paul and Dorothy won 1st and 2nd Place ribbons for their figures. There was another 1st Place ribbon in 1983 for a traditional undecorated piece. They also exhibited at the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show at San Juan Pueblo.
Paul passed on in 2017. Dorothy is still alive but no longer makes pottery.
https://www.medicinemangallery.com/paul-gutierrez-1940-2017-biography
Date of Bio
Inscription
Dorothy & Paul
Display Shelf Location