Mary I. Lucero, "Walatowa" was born into the Jemez Pueblo in 1957. She was inspired to learn the art of hand coiling and hand pinching pottery using ancient traditional methods passed to her by her sister Virginia Lucero.

At the age of 20, Mary learned to construct storytellers, which would become her specialty. According to Mary it is a wonderful way to relax and clear your mind of all stress involved with being a parent and working full time. Mary signs her pottery: M.I. Lucero, Jemez. Mary is related to Virginia A. Lucero (sister) and Carol Gachupin (cousin).