Señor Tomas Quintana - Sculptor
Height - 9.75 inches
Width - 7.25 inches
Weight - 2 pounds
Here is a new and original technique of Mata Ortiz pottery creation, developed and used only by Master Potter Señor Hilario Quezada Jr.. When I acquired to masterpiece in the beginning of January, on seven have been produced by the Artist. This is a wonderful example of the traditional designs hailing back one thousand years ago meeting with an ever evolving contemporary approach. Generations of one modest community in the hear of Chihuahua is held in this fine art.
The overlapping skulls with their soft yet sharp appearances are the homage to the Mexican National Holiday of Dia De Muertos on November 1. But never has it been represented quite like this The modern interpretation of the celebration is masterfully joined with the traditional designs of Señor Quezadas ancestors the Paquime of the Casas Grandes region of Chihuahua.
Nowhere else in the southwest is folk art of this level available or made. This is as much a trademark of Mata Ortiz as any artwork preceding this vessel. Made from native white clay harvested from the nearby foothills, the Paquime rings of the top and under are created by finely etching the black glaze down to the white substrate. How the skulls are created? At this time it is Señor Quezadas secret.
The Artist has signed his work on the underside.