Michelle Paisano
Laguna/Acoma
Award winning Michelle Paisano is from the Laguna/Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. She has a Fine Arts Degree from University of New Mexico, specialty in Native American Art. She is known both nationally and internationally for her storytellers and nativity sets. Michelle comes from a family of potters. She is the granddaughter of Frances Torivio, daughter of Ruth Paisano, renowned Pueblo potters. Active 1980’s-present
Michelle states “The sculptures I create in clay can be washed under the faucet, to take off the dust without actually dusting the sculpture. Let the water run over the sculpture, washing all the dust off, then place on a paper towel and let air dry. The sculptures are all painted before they are fired, so the paint will not come off. It is good to wash the sculptures occasionally; it keeps the paint bright and clean. “
Mudheads are the most renowned of all Pueblo Kachinas. They represent the many social roles Mudheads participate in. They appear in almost all ceremonies as entertainers, messengers, announcers of dances, drummers and clowns.
In June of 2011 Michelle sent a message:
“I'll be going to the Smithsonian, National Museum of the American Indian on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. I will be demonstrating, previewing my artwork and conducting a storyteller workshop, June 9-11, 2011.”
