Natasha Smoke Santiago touches and shapes the land through her work as a Kanienkéha:ka (Mohawk) sculptor and potter. She is a storyteller and hand creator utilizing clay, pencils and paintbrushes. She is a visual artist that creates from the roots to the sky and pulls viewers deep into ancient Indigenous perspectives. Born, raised and forever planted on the land of Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, Natasha is Turtle Clan, a mother, cultural knowledge holder, teacher, auntie and friend. Her work speaks to lived experiences; both hers and those of her ancestors.

As a knowledge keeper and researcher, Natasha holds techniques and stories of the past and teaches others how that past continues to guide us today. She is a grounded creator and instructor. Her pottery workshops are hands on and transform traditional clay vessels into spiritual tools. She is known to walk participants through the creation of pots from the beginnings of cool clay to food preparation; the final workshop moments are spent sharing a meal – the ultimate gesture of gratitude. In workshops, Natasha may even explore spirituality and the importance of burning medicines and communicating through the smoke of clay pipes. She is a knowledge keeper and eager to share.

Natasha’s work is a full understanding of how culture, land, water and spirit are embedded in pottery.