Featured Artist: Lisa Holt and Harlan Reano

Lisa Holt and Harlan Reano have been collaborating since 1999, creating stunning hand-painted pottery that blends traditional techniques with a contemporary aesthetic. Using Cochiti clay, Holt forms the ceramics while Reano paints the surfaces with distinctive designs in cream and black, often inspired by older Santo Domingo pottery, but more frequently reflecting Reano's personal, creative vision. Together, they fire the pieces outdoors, honoring their heritage while embracing innovation.

Holt, half Cochiti on her mother’s side, comes from a renowned family of potters, including her grandmother, Seferina Ortiz, and her mother, Inez Ortiz. She is also the niece of celebrated Cochiti potter Virgil Ortiz. Holt learned the art of pottery-making from her mother and grandmother. Reano, half Santo Domingo/Kewa, was also influenced by Lisa’s mother, learning the intricacies of pottery painting.

The duo creates their pottery using all-natural materials, staying true to the tradition while pushing boundaries with their bold, contemporary designs. They began their collaboration by crafting figurines based on the traditional Cochiti style, featuring human and animal forms like frogs and lizards, as well as large ollas. Over time, their work has evolved to include pots, jars, and figures that maintain traditional elements while embracing a fresh, modern flair. While Lisa and Harlan used to divide their roles, with Lisa making the pottery and Harlan painting the forms, they now share the pottery-making responsibilities, though Harlan continues to do all the painting.

Their work has garnered numerous accolades, including Best of Pottery at SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market in 2012 and Best of Pottery at the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market in 2010 and 2011. Today, their unique, hand-painted pottery can be found at Blue Rain Gallery in Santa Fe, NM, where collectors and art enthusiasts can experience the beauty of their innovative creations.