Gladys “Stratyu’we” Paquin Biography

Gladys “Stratyu’we” Paquin, born in Rehoboth, NM in 1936, is the child of a Zuni father, Dwight Paquin, and Adeline Juan of the Laguna Pueblo. When she was ten years old, Gladys moved to the Santa Ana Pueblo, living with her father and step-mother. She returned to Laguna at the age of 43 and took an interest in making pottery. In talking about learning to make pottery she says that her teacher was really “The Lord”, which indicates she is self-taught and learned through trial and error.

The Santa Ana influence can be seen in her designs. She uses all-natural materials for and she is one of the few potters to continue to traditionally fire her pottery. Gladys is especially well-known for making large vessels and decorating them with Rain Bird iconography. She's developed a new Rain Bird design and sometimes mixes the new and the old on the same pot.

Stratyu’we uses gray clay from the Laguna Pueblo, as well as a mix of various plants and minerals to make her slips and unique coloration materials. She has instilled her teachings on her students, notably Myron Sarracino, Max Early, and her son, Andrew Padilla, Jr. 

Gladys has participated in numerous juried competitions through the years and has taken home many ribbons and awards. She signs her pottery, "Gladys Sratyu’we Paquin, Laguna".