Joe Cajero

Joe Cajero, Jr. is a descendent of a long line of Pueblo artists, including his father, a painter and mother, a potter. He knew early on that he would be an artist. After high school he studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

He studied two-dimensional art, with a few classes in traditional pottery making. His mentor and cousin, Felix Vigil, was teaching these at the time and provided the young artist with priceless insight, He taught me how to look and where to look inside myself, so that I didnt have to draw from other artists in order to find inspiration. I admire the work of other artists, but I look only to myself to create.

Sculpting limited edition bronzes has become the area that Cajero is enjoying success. It allows his creativity with clay to be utilized and more than one piece is produced.

Joe's feelings about his work can be summarized in his quote," My creative energy is often spiritual in nature. Each of my sculptures invariable represents some aspect of praise and appreciation of lifes beauty. Since my Pueblo religion restricts the realistic unveiling of ceremonial life, the challenge is to use abstract art to represent the sacred; images that specifically capture a reflection of my spirituality and expressions of my intercession with God."