Gutierrez has emerged as one of the most exciting ceramic artisans of the Nicaraguan pottery pueblo San Juan de Oriente. His lack of influence from training has resulted in a distinct style much different from other master artisans in his pueblo. Santiago has taken the scale of geometric design and detail and gone beyond what was believed to be possible, showing a talent in blending pre-Columbian motifs and traditional techniques with his own modern flair and sculptural skills.