Artist Ms. Delila Lucero
Approximate Dimensions;
Weight: 11 ounces
Height: 4 inches
Width: 4 inches
A ring is provided with all pottery.
This beautiful, native gourd-sized pot is crafted by the artist Ms. Delila Lucero. Her distinctive style is recognizable for its bold contrasting blue and brown. Her etching style produces sharp edges and pronounced details, as demonstrated in this piece. Like much of the pottery from Mata Ortiz, her work is deeply influenced by the ancient ancestors of the village. In this instance, the influence is evident in the overlapping, scale design featured in the background. Also, Ms. Lucero creates a contemporary style lizard with ancient Paquime squares along its back, creating another melding of ancient with contemporary.
This pottery is not only a warm addition to any home but also makes a wonderful gift for someone special.
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Mata Ortiz: A Legendary Tradition
Mata Ortiz is renowned, both as a village and for the pottery that carries its name.
In the 1970s, a young man began experimenting with recreating ancient pottery he discovered. He used the same clay and sand mixtures sourced from the area where the ancient potters lived. Employing traditional firing techniques and local materials, he achieved magnificent results. Over the next fifty years, the village of Mata Ortiz embraced these skills, with each artist adding their unique sense of beauty to the craft.
The designs of Mata Ortiz pottery are bold, earthy, and highly individualistic. Artists use paintbrushes made from one or two human hairs to create the finest lines. Carved images are produced using nearly microscopic sharpened points, and paints come from minerals found in the surrounding desert. Many colors are only revealed after intense firing at very high temperatures. These creations represent unique transformations, possible only in this small region, using its native soil.
Having been involved with Mata Ortiz for thirty years, the overwhelming beauty and intricate designs have become a spiritual connection. Each piece feels like an encounter with the artists themselves and a visit to their home.