Clarence Cruz, who is Tewa from Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo), serves as the Professor of Ceramics in the Art Department. He has been a prominent and familiar figure on campus since his student days. He holds a BFA and an MFA in Art Studio, as well as a minor in Museum Studies via the Maxwell Museum.
His teaching journey at UNM began in 1999, and now, 26 years later, he is planning his retirement. Cruz will leave a meaningful legacy of passion, advocacy, support for students, and encouragement by setting an example of what it means to uplift humanity.
He has walked through his career with one mantra: “This is the gift I was given; it is this gift that I must share. What you know cannot go with you when you are gone. You must share it so it lives on.”
He learned this mantra from his elders, whom he cherishes for their time and teachings. They taught him about sharing knowledge and the importance of that act.
Cruz has dedicated himself to preserving and teaching traditional Native American pottery techniques. He guides his students on field trips to gather materials from BLM and U.S. Forest Service lands, materials that represent regional traditions and cultural heritage such as clay, sand, rocks, trees, animal feathers, and other natural items.
In his own practice, he says: “The materials already exist. You just need to learn how to work it and understand the makeup of clay, slips and pigments.”
Cruz’s teaching philosophy stems from his elders: just like they sat with him and listened, he sits with his students and listens to them. He believes we all learn from each other, not just from the teacher. By the time his students complete his class, he wants them to know they do not need to buy anything to create. “You just have to ask for permission,” he says, teaching students to respect the materials and recognize they are alive, just as they are. Each student learns to state their intention when approaching a material: “Will you allow me to gather and work with you to create?”
Cruz is so popular that his classes fill within minutes of registration opening. His lessons, known for engaging everyone who is fortunate to be enrolled, leave a lasting impression. Although he found his career at UNM fulfilling, he is looking forward to his next chapter. During retirement, Cruz hopes to spend more time creating through his own lens, attending art shows with his wife, and continuing his work with the community to share his knowledge.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
READ MORE about Megan Borders’ UNM Newsroom review at https://news.unm.edu/news/clarence-cruz-leaves-a-lasting-native-pottery-legacy-at-unm
EXPLORE the work of Clarence Cruz by following on Instagram @khaa_yay.
