Vangi Suina, Cochiti Pueblo Potter

Mary Evangeline Suina (1959- ) Vangie is a prominent Cochiti Pueblo potter active from circa 1981 to the present. Renowned for her fine craftsmanship and traditional technique, she specializes in polychrome pottery, including jars, bowls, figurative scenes, narrative paintings, and her highly celebrated Storytellers and Nacimientos (Nativity sets).

Artistic Background and Heritage

Pottery-making is a deeply rooted family tradition for Vangie Suina. She was introduced to the art form and taught traditional Puebloan coil and hand-building techniques by her mother, Louise Q. Suina. Her artistic lineage reaches back generations as the granddaughter of noted potter Anita Suina, and daughter of Ernest and Louise Q. Suina. Today, Mary passes this heritage down as a mother to Randi Simone Suina, Jalen Suina, and Melanie Suina.

Signatures and Collaborations

Her work is signed under several variations, including Mary, Vangie Suina, or AWS, reflecting the alternative names by which she is known: Mary Vangie Suina, Mary Evangeline Suina, Evangela Suina, and Mary E. Suina. She also frequently collaborates on pieces with potter Anthony W. Suina.

Exhibition and Recognition

A familiar figure in contemporary Native American art circles, Suina has exhibited continuously at the world-renowned Santa Fe Indian Market since 1982. Over her multi-decade career, her figurative sculptures and polychrome pottery have earned numerous awards and accolades, placing her among the respected contemporary masters of Cochiti Pueblo pottery.

Reference: Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

TAGS: Cochiti Pueblo, Louise Q. Suina, Southwest Indian Pottery