Born in 1972 at Santa Clara Pueblo, Kevin Naranjo was given a Tewa name meaning Turquoise Mountain. Kevin was born into a family of famous potters, among them Luther Gutierrez (his great-grandfather), Dolores Curran (a maternal aunt) and Geri Naranjo (his mother). Geri is renowned for her miniature sgraffito pottery, which she taught to both Kevin and his sister, Monica. He says he was inspired to learn the ancient tradition of hand coiling pottery by the time he was four. The first piece he made was a dinosaur. He remembers it well: it sparked an interest in molding animal figurines. That first inspiration and practice evolved until now his pottery embodies beautiful symmetry, graceful lines and finely executed sgraffito designs like the avanyu (water serpent), kiva steps and the feather pattern. Additional figures such as bears, eagles, bighorn sheep, deer and elk are incorporated into backgrounds with pueblo ruins and mountain views.

Since 2001, Kevin has been collaborating with Tricia Pena from San Ildefonso Pueblo. Her grandfather, the late Encarnacion Pena, was a member of the original San Ildefonso School of Painters. Together Kevin and Tricia are passing the art of pottery making on to their children.

Some of the Awards Won by Kevin

• 2018 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II - Pottery, Division F - Miniature pots, individual pieces under 3 inches in any dimension, Category 1001 - Traditional: Honorable Mention
• 2004 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II - Pottery, Division G - Non-traditional pottery, using traditional materials and techniques, any form or design: Best of Division
• 2004 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II - Pottery, Division G - Non-traditional pottery, using traditional materials and techniques, any form or design, Category 1408 - Sgraffito, black or black two-tone: First Place
• 2000 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II - Pottery, Division J - Pottery miniatures, 3" or less in height or diameter, Category 1613 - Sgraffito, burnished black: First Place