Daniel Begay works in earthenware,
carving traditional forms with geometric designs. He is a Native
American potter of the Santa Clara Pueblo. Begay is of Navajo
or Dine heritage. He was taught the craft by his father, Harrison
Begay, Jr., a son of Pueblo potter Harrison Begay, Sr.
Daniel Begay is influenced
by cultural traditions of his upbringing and members of his immediate
family. In the Santa Clara Pueblo, he was exposed to countless
potters, sacred cultural stories, and an environment that nurtured
creativity.
Daniel grew up at Santa Clara,
learning to make pottery with his father and collaborating on
pieces until he decided to break out on his own.
Daniel earned a graduate degree
in accounting and another in business administration. He has
a day job as an academic advisor at the University of New Mexico
and makes pottery in his spare time as a means to relax and reconnect
with his roots. He's also married and raising a daughter.
