Nora Naranjo-Morse

Although my anchoring medium has always been in the tradition of Pueblo Pottery, I’ve begun using a number of other materials and resources with which to create and tell the stories of contemporary Pueblo life. Usually when I make a clay form it finds a specific venue in which it ultimately remains—a museum or a collector’s home—however, there is a larger audience with an installation and or film. With film in particular, I’m able to document who we are and what we are experiencing as contemporary Native people. Working in a number of mediums teaches me other skills which continually encourage my artistic expressions and because of, I’ve become more confident, curious and courageous in my creative journey.

“As a Native woman, mother, friend and community member she exemplifies the Pueblo matriarchs values of honesty and strength, while facing hard issues with humor and ease. She has given her gifts of herself to the community without expectations and recognition. She has given her creations and experiences to the world with a creative flare that is striking as well as interesting and powerful.” – Teresa Naranjo, Nominator