Okuu Pin’ (Jason Garcia)

Jason Garcia (Okuu Pin') is a son of noted potter Gloria "Goldenrod" Garcia and the nephew of Minnie Vigil, Thelma Talachy, Lois Gutierrez, and Tina Garcia. He grew up in an extremely creative immersive environment amongst his family members who are all artists-potters, painters, and jewelers. As a child, he learned first-hand about many different old-style Pueblo pottery techniques from his grandmothers, aunts, and mother. He was also exposed to various types of Native and non-Native art and visited many museums that influenced and shaped his views on art and expanded upon his contemporary art practice. Garcia’s work documents the ever-changing cultural landscape of his home of Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. Tewa Cultural ceremonies, traditions, and stories, as well as 21st century popular culture, comic books, and technology influence his work. Using traditional materials and traditional Pueblo pottery techniques coupled with various printmaking techniques, this juxtaposition of customary and contemporary materials and techniques connect him to his Ancestral past, landscape, and cultural knowledge.