Nathan Youngblood

Nathan Youngblood, born in 1954 at Fort Carson, CO, is a renowned potter from Santa Clara Pueblo. Due to his father’s military career, Nathan moved frequently, but in 1968, his family returned to Santa Clara, where he learned pottery from his grandmother, Margaret Tafoya, and grandfather, Alcario Tafoya. Margaret taught him the importance of patience, especially in the polishing process, while Alcario passed down skills in design and carving.

Nathan’s early work earned recognition, winning First and Second Prizes at the 1970 Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. In 1976, he decided to pursue pottery full-time, apprenticing with his grandparents. Initially, his work closely resembled his grandmother’s style, but in the 1980s, he began experimenting with new shapes and expansive designs. By the 1990s, Nathan incorporated Asian influences into his pottery, inspiring other artists to blend cultural elements with personal experiences.

After Margaret’s passing in 2001, Nathan revisited traditional forms while applying contemporary updates to his designs. He has earned over 140 ribbons for his work. Nathan has also contributed to his community, serving on boards such as the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and the Wheelwright Museum, and lecturing at institutions like the Denver Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American Art.