Dolores Curran
Dolores is the sister of the potter, Geri Naranjo. They are daughters of noted potter Usulita Naranjo. Dolores is the mother of Ursula Curran and Dwight Curran. She began making pottery at a very early age. Dolores is originally from Santa Clara, but she moved to Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo when she married Alvin Curran. Dolores has long been known for her miniatures in the buff on the red style of pottery. The talent in miniature works has been handed down to her daughter, Ursula. Dolores has also created a distinctive style inspired by San Juan Pueblo pottery. These pieces reflect the incised pottery of her husband, Alvin Curran. Each piece is incised with designs, which are then slipped with various clays or stone polished and then traditionally fired outdoors. She has also created black-fired vessels in this same style, often called “Poly-tonal” for the variations of gray and black on the piece. Dolores Curran does not copy or record her designs to make each piece unique.
