Vangie Sunia’s career as a potter began because she didn’t wish to be away from her infant daughter all day.  The importance of family is now lovingly expressed in her charming storytellers hand molded from native clay.

Vangie’s mother, Cochiti potter Louise Sunia encouraged her to develop her own style.  “She showed me everything, how to mix the clay, how to shape it, and then the firing,” remembers Vangie.  She uses clay and sand from the Pueblo and open fires her pieces in the old way.  “I pray to the Clay Mother, and Father spirit every time before firing.  Sometimes a whole firing will break if the clay doesn’t has the right amount of sand or is improperly mixed.”

Over the years Vangie has added many of her own innovations.  She makes donkey, turtle, and moccasin storytellers with kids all over them.  She also adds such objects as books and baseball bats.

Vangie has entered Santa Fe Indian Market every year since 1981.  Usually, she sells out on the first day.  She has won many awards for her storytellers and she never seems to run out of new ideas.  Her husband Anthony often helps her with her work.  “That’s what people appreciate, the fact the we are always crating something new and original.”