Sofia Pino Medina, Zia Pueblo Potter

Zia Pueblo artist Sofia Pino Medina used a tan slip on her pottery jars and stone-polished it to a beautiful silky sheen.  The design is executed in a soft rose-red slip and brown mineral paint.  

Sofia Pino Medina (1932 - 2010) married into the Medina family in 1948.  She and her new husband Rafael (1929-1998) lived with his grandmother, Trinidad Medina who taught Sofia the techniques of potting. Her mentor, Trinidad, was one of the most talented potters at Zia Pueblo and Sofia learned well and produced quality wares throughout her life.  Sofia used all natural materials in her pottery, including the pigments for painting.  Her husband is known for using acrylic paints on pottery after firing.

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

TAGS: Trinidad Medina, Zia Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery, Lois Medina, Rafael Medina, Juanita Toribio Pino