Geraldine Gutiérrez, Pueblo Artist

Artist Geraldine Gutiérrez (1960 - ) continues the rich tradition of San Ildefonso Pueblo painting, drawing significant influence from her uncle, the renowned Gilbert Atencio. Her favorite subjects are dance figures, which she often depicts without ground lines, giving them a floating, ethereal quality. Gutiérrez's use of color is strikingly intense, as if the hues were applied directly from the paint tubes. Her work is characterized by delicate values, consistently neat execution, fine outlines, and intricate modeling and shading.

Geraldine Gutiérrez's artistic lineage is notable; her mother, Helen Atencio, hailed from San Ildefonso Pueblo, while her father, Frank Gutierrez, was from Santa Clara Pueblo. Although she is technically affiliated with her mother's pueblo, she resides at Santa Clara Pueblo, where she creates both blackware pottery and paintings.

Recommended Reading: Modern by Tradition: American Indian Painting in the Studio Style by Bruce Bernstein

TAGS: Helen Atencio, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Native American Paintings, Gilbert Atencio, Southwest Indian Pottery