Robert Tenorio The Old Train Station Santo Domingo Pottery
Perhaps the best way to sum up Robert's accomplishments as a potter is in the dry language of documentation. And to say that he is arguably the greatest Santo Domingo potter ever!
Birthday: November 4, 1954
Parents: Andres and Juanita Calabaza Tenorio
Family: m. grandson of Clemente and Nescita Calabaza; p. grandson of Andrea Ortiz; brother of Paulita Pacheco, Mary Tenorio and Hilda Coriz; uncle of Ione Coriz
Teacher: Andrea Ortiz, his grandmother; Lupe Tenorio, his great-aunt; Otellie Loloma (Hopi), IAIA teacher .
Type of Work: Traditional Santo Domingo pottery
Awards: Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Museum Guild Market, Tenth Scottsdale National Indian Arts Exhibition, and many, many others.
Number of Years in Trade: Active 1960s - present
Favotite Designs: Traditional matte polychrome, black-on-red large storage jars, ollas, jars, chili bowls, dough bowls, canteens, plates, miniatures, decorated with traditional Santo Domingo patterns, animals, fish, floral.
Signs Work As : Robert Tenorio with hallmark - Small Dipper constellation
Robert Tenorio is known and respected for his strict adherence to tradition, his ability as a teacher and his graciousness as a host and representative of American Indian Arts. All of his pieces are hand coiled and fired outdoors with cottonwood bark. He produces some of the largest pieces of pottery in the pueblos today.
The present bowl is a true masterpiece by Robert. It is colorfully decorated on outside with birds in various configurations and differently decorated, along with floral elements. The black color of the birds contrasts strongly with the color of the branches. On the inside there is a turtle figure and in its center the impression of an open palm; Robert's sign that the pot is hand made.
The pottery shown reflects Robert's memories of the old train station from his childhood years. Just every one gothered around when the train came through; from people, carriages, dogs, cats. The pot is large, measuring 9 inches tall by 12 inches in diameter.
Item No.: A1662
Artist: Robert Tenorio
Size: 9 in H x 12 in D
Price: 1400
