First ever post way back in 2018

Mata Ortiz is legendary, both the village and the pottery taking its name! In the 70's a young man began experimenting with recreating ancient pottery he would come across. He used the same clay sand mixtures from materials found in the area in which the ancients lived and made their pottery. The same firing techniques using the same local materials eventually created the same magnificent results. Half a century later and much of the village of Mata Ortiz has taken on these incredible skills for creating masterpieces, with each artist contributing hers and his own sense of beauty.
The designs are bold, earthy and individualistic. 
Paint brushes consisting of one or two human hairs create the finest lines. Paints are developed from minerals found in the surrounding desert. These creations are truly unique transformations that only this small little region of the world can create from its own soil.  I have been tangentially around Mata Ortiz for 30 years. Now I am spiritually bound by their overwhelming beauty and intense and intricate designs. When I look at one of the pieces, I feel I am meeting in person the artist who created this, and am visiting her home.