SWAIA 101st Year!
Zuni potter Gabriel Paloma was born on the Zuni reservation in 1966. His approach to revitalizing old 1800's to 1900's polychrome pottery is meticulously aimed at seminal works that his ancestors have been establishing since in time memorial. Having grown up in close proximity to his origins of migrations his love of the Zuni arts grew tremendously. Throughout his life, Gabriel has always been fascinated by old images of the ancestral sites of how the Zuni world is represented through the eyes of others. Naturally, he was drawn into auto mechanics later into canvas art and now into traditional Zuni pottery . The interest was cultivated during his early high school years and further developed his skills by taking beginning pottery to advanced pottery classes at Zuni High School.
After completing his high school diploma, Gabriel advanced onto University of New Mexico college and the UNM Gallup Branch campus to furthermore his post secondary practice, which involved taking necessary college entry classes and art studio classes The old style traditional pottery forms that Gabriel creates are the ones his heart desires. He uses the skills and practices of starting and creating his coil method polychrome into elaborate pieces. It was the collaboration between the late Jennie Laate (Acoma 1933-1994) and the Zuni High School Art Department. Gabriel cherishes this connection with the late pottery teacher and the Zuni Public School District. He feels that the artistic exchange between the dialogues of students and the mentor opens up many opportunities.
Currently, Gabriel recently retired from the Zuni Schools, who had specialized for 31.5 years in education as a pottery teacher. He taught 15-18-year-old students to help them foster the same enthusiasm that he has for old style Zuni pottery. Gabriel was selected in 2004 as one of few Zuni Pueblo’s potters with SWAIA's distinguished Fellowship Award, ever since then his love and devotion to continue utilizing mother earth’s raw materials is endless. Gabriel enjoys working in his home studio on the Zuni reservation and is surrounded by his family and the Land of Enchantment.