Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Papago / Tohono O'odham



Papago / Tohono O'odham Potter: Susie Pedro

Thanks to personal correspondence from a private collector we have been able to add another potter to the Papago / Tohono O'odham list. Susie Pedro.
http://www.rarepottery.info/PapagoTohonoOOdhamVirtualMuseum.htm

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Publication - Cochiti Pottery

Cochiti Potter - Virgil Ortiz


Born: 1969


Vessel Forms: Figures/Effigies/Monos, Ollas/Jars, Canteens

Comments: 2006 Santa Fe Indian Market Poster Artist

Not only is Virgil a ceramic artist, he is also a fashion designer.

Trademark graphic black swirls.

Even though the standing figures or Monos that Virgil makes are very contemporary in appearance, they are actually a revival of a form that first was seen in the late 1800s. Virgil redefines these early forms into his own creations, which stand out and get noticed. Yet his every step involves traditional pottery making techniques. Virgil digs his own clay and processes it, then builds the figures from coils. Over a white clay slip he paints his vessels with black pigment from wild spinach leaves. Then fires in an outdoor open fire.

References:
Indian Market Magazine, Santa Fean Publication
2006 Collector's Edition