Nicolas Gilbert Olivas

Nicolas Gilbert Olivas , 60, a resident of Chamita, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019 due to an accident while doing what he was passionate about, mining clay for his pottery. He was preceded in death by his father, Juan Olivas. Nicolas was born and raised in the small community of El Llano in Española, New Mexico. He worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 18 years prior to becoming a renowned New Mexican Potter and full-time artist. He began professionally creating pottery at the age of 27. He had developed his own unique process and style which combined traditional and contemporary southwest styles. He mined and processed his own clay and pigments from within the hills of Northern New Mexico. He enjoyed reveling in the miracle of the earth. His work truly was a manifestation of the Earth’s spirit. He was an award-winning artist whose work was featured in the Annual Contemporary/Hispanic Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His pottery has been displayed in select gallery of Northern New Mexico. He was a devoted son, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. Nicolas is survived by his daughters, Desiree Provencio and husband Daniel of Albuquerque and Demi Olivas of Española; mother, Dora Olivas; siblings, Jake Olivas and wife Becky of La Mesilla, Ray Olivas and wife Joann of Velarde, Henry Olivas and wife Joann of Santa Fe, Josephine Olivas and husband Lee of Rio Rancho, Rose Gallegos and husband James of Alcalde, and Dolores Trujillo and husband Ronnie of Fairview; grandchildren, Julius Provencio, DeNae Provencio, and Ismael Smouse; girlfriend, Vivian Romero of Chimayo and many other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Holy Cross Catholic Church will be holding a special mass for Nicolas Gilbert Olivas on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 7:00 a.m. The family of Nicolas Gilbert Olivas has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.