The following is a personal account from my involvement with Land Arts of the American West, a program that combined seven art students with seven design students on a journey through the American West. Led by professors Bill Gilbert and Christ Taylor, we spent twelve weeks observing and creating work in nature’s most arid studio.
My first night in Mata Ortiz, Mexico was spent hanging around the abandoned railroad tracks. Around 5 p.m., the local men gathered to talk about the day and share a few beers. As a group of young, urban American students, my posse couldn’t have stood out more. But with cold cervezas in hand at the end of a long work day, we were treated like locals, receiving crash courses in Spanish and the latest news from the surrounding villages. Dressed in rugged jeans, cowboy boots and hats, I assumed our newfound friends were ranchers or builders. But these men were actually the heroes of the village: they were potters.
Mata Ortiz has the rare distinction of surviving primarily on the art created by its inhabitants. Through reviving the pottery tradition of the indigenous settlers of the area, Mata Ortiz transformed its ailing farming industry into a booming pottery business, attracting artists, collectors and tourists to the remote, dirt roads of the Chihuahuan desert. Our trip was solely made possible by Hector Gallegos and Graciela Gonzalez Gallegos, two local artists whose hospitality was only outshined by their pottery talent. They provided a two-room house, complete with a large kitchen, where we covered the floors in sleeping bags and pillows. Led by our professors Bill Gilbert and Chris Taylor, whose fluent Spanish helped us all acclimate, our group of fourteen students reveled in a week-long stay, filled with art, clay, tacos, stray dogs, soccer and donkey rides.
Mata Ortiz: where donkeys and dogs are best pals.
Located in the plains of Chihuahua, Mexico, the small town of Mata Ortiz is, like so many other railroad towns, a victim of multiple boom-and-bust cycles. In 1907, when the Mexico Northwestern Railway Company sought to build a line across the Sierras to the Pacific Ocean, Mata Ortiz flourished as one of the many small towns established to support the rail. As the fruit business exploded, bolstered by the introduction of apple farming in the neighboring town of Casas Grandes, the railroad provided speedy transportation for harvested produce. But by the 1950s, trains no longer passed through Mata Ortiz. Now, the railroad tracks still stand, a weed-covered reminder of a failed economy. Fortunately, the residents of Mata Ortiz are resilient people; the community continued to support itself through farming the lands of the ejido — land granted to the people by the government that cannot be sold or mortgaged, but may pass from generation to generation for agricultural practices.
By the 1970s, the ailing community found its savior in Juan Quezada, a man whose name is now synonymous with the village. As a young boy, Quezada helped his family by gathering firewood in the area. The spot where Quezada collected tinder was special — it was once the site of Paquimé, an ancient civilization settled in 700 A.D. that vanished sometime after the 13th century. On his outings, Quezada collected decorated pottery shards, the few tangible scraps that prove Paquimé once existed. The pottery shards were no secret — many locals knew of the artistic inclination of the Paquimé people. But by the 1970s, Quezada saw an opportunity. Assuming the ancients created pots with local materials, he set to discovering his own clay and pigments, reenacting the art form. While Quezada drew upon the style of Paquimé pottery, it was clear early on that he sought to reinvent the art form for a modern Mexico.
After developing his own firing system and decorative style, Quezada’s pots caught the attention of Spencer McCallum, an art historian who happened to see the unique vessels in a small shop in New Mexico. Spurred on by encouragement and a monthly stipend from McCallum, Quezada began teaching his family how to make pots. Before long, several families in Mata Ortiz were elbow-deep in clay. Once American art galleries and collectors took notice, it was clear that Mata Ortiz had created its newest coveted export.
A visit to a local resident's dining room, where pottery covered the entire table.
It only took a day to realize that the village lives and breathes pottery — some afternoons we’d wander house to house, invited into living rooms where pottery covered every square inch of flat surface. Since a potter’s home often doubles as a showroom, the most common phrase uttered is, “Cuanto cuesta?” (“How much is it?”) The most inexpensive pots are almost always made by the grandchildren. As the youngest generation, they have the least practice under their belts. The oldest member of the family usually commands hundreds of dollars for each vessel, proving that years of practice produces immaculate results. Families work together to cultivate a recognizable style, while individual artists develop a paint style or vessel shape that becomes their speciality.
One afternoon, we followed Hector to his son’s house, which was only thirty feet from his own. We were trailed by a stray dog who adopted us, whom we subsequently named Dolores. We walked through the front door and entered the living room, where Hector Gallegos Jr. and his wife, Laura Bugarini Cota, were working on their pots, set to the soundtrack of high-pitched telenovella wails coming from a massive television. I could tell by the size of their TV that Hector Jr. and Laura produced highly coveted pots.
The intricate work of Laura Bugarini Cota
Laura sat at her work table, examining the half-finished decoration on her pot. She alternated between a small set of brushes, most of which are comprised of a single strand of hair. Laura’s trademark, horizontal painted patterns are more complex and unique than any other pot I had seen. Laura and one of our professors, Bill, began conversing in Spanish, while the rest of us examined the pottery around the house. When Bill asked Laura how long her waiting list was, Laura turned back to her work and happily relied, “Dos años.” Two years. Laura’s pots had become highly sought after over the years; though each vessel might be worth $300 in Mexico, the galleries of the American Southwest pay triple the amount. Not every family makes such a successful living through their art, but commitment and cultivation of the craft has proven to improve the quality of life for a vast majority of the local families. So how can you tell if a family has found success in the pottery business? “You look at their driveway,” explained one local potter. “First thing you buy is a car. Next comes indoor plumbing. Then maybe a giant TV.”
Left: Hector digs for clay; Top right: The mountains near Mata Ortiz; Bottom right: Hector shows how to mix and prepare the clay.
On the second day we piled into the back of Hector’s pickup truck and headed for the foot of the mountains, where locals acquire the clay for every vessel they make. Each family has a strong opinion about where to dig up the best clay. Though many potters specialize in red or black, Hector’s family prefers white clay. We disembarked from the truck, then circled around Hector as he jabbed a shovel into an embankment. He shook loose the earth and soon we had a giant sack full of clay. Once back at our house, Hector and Graciela set to mixing the clay with water. Once the mixture rests, it is strained through fine cloth, leaving soft, workable clay.
Over the following week, Hector and Graciela gave us a crash course in pottery. After observing the masterful work of the local potters, we felt like a group of kindergartners as we struggled to form even the most basic of pot shapes with our own hands. Once the pots dried for a few days, we used various grades of sandpaper to smooth out the imperfections. Hector then treated us to his paintbrush collection — a set of ballpoint pens, each with twelve strands of human hair shoved into the head.
Hector lights the make-shift kiln to fire the pots.
The day finally came for us to fire out pots. Akin to the shape of a campfire straight out of a Boy Scouts handbook, Hector built a low-profile pyramid out of old wood scraps and chunks of cow dung. Hidden in the heart of the pyre, each of our pots sat covered with a ceramic vessel that ensures equal heat distribution and protects against licking flames. As Hector leaned down to inspect the fire, I watched over his shoulder as Dolores playfully nipped at the heels of a roaming donkey. Both dog and donkey eventually made a truce, lying down on their backs and rolling the dirt with their bellies up, facing the sun. After firing and cooling, it was clear that many of us did not have a future in pottery. Some vessels, whose walls were uneven and flimsy, broke in the process, while others came out with a Frankenstein-like paint finish. But we were all happy to have a souvenir of our experience in Mata Ortiz, a reminder of the ingenuity and determinism hidden in an unsuspecting village.
What makes the people of Mata Ortiz so extraordinary is that they are completely against imitation — instead of copying the art of their ancestors by reproducing the patterns on Quezada’s found pottery shards, they chose to use the art form as a basis for further exploration. Mata Ortiz could’ve been an economy of novelty, geared towards bus loads of tourists. But after an all-too-short stay in the village, it becomes clear that the people have created a dynamic, wholly new art form that will hopefully continue to sustain many future generations.
The Mata Ortiz pot that made it home with me.
Knowing I wanted to buy an original Mata Ortiz pot, I agonized throughout the entire trip, looking for the perfect vessel to fit my budget. I almost pulled my wallet out nearly a dozen times, but always found myself stopping short. On the final day, high on a shelf, I saw the perfect pot for me. It was small, maybe only six inches tall, with a simple yet perfect geometric pattern applied to its surface in white paint. The pot now sits on my desk as a reminder of the importance of generational craft, a topic that is often overlooked in the States. Mata Ortiz isn’t perfect, as I know it’s never wise to idealize the lives of others. But when times got tough, the people turned to family and the talent found in their own hands. As the debate surrounding jobs and the economy rages on in this country, Mata Ortiz reminds us that craft and trade should be part of the conversation.
To learn more about Mata Ortiz, visit the city’s calendar and check out the beautiful photography of RAEchal Running, who has devoted her support of the area through documenting the people and their work. For more information about Land Arts of the American West, visit the website or take a look at the recently published book that documents the history of the program.
Shop Local: Mexico | Ceramics and Pottery Category
Chappell Ellison is a designer, writer and design writer. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York where she serves as a contributor for The Etsy Blog and design columnist for GOOD.
2 Featured Comments
Sign in to add your ownPolClary says: Featured
I love how reviving an old fashioned craft helped save a community. And that the manly looking men we potters! Pottery is an amazing art, and the idea that it's only for finnicky, delicate ladies with too much time on their hands isn't true. It takes true skills, craftmanship and steady hands.
1 year ago
AnimaliaRepublic says: Featured
Amazing story, one of those stories that reminds you to never forget your background, your heritage, traditions or crafts. My work now is possible because of handed down/inherited craft. Makes me very proud to read this story and proud to be a Mexican and reminded that in these hard times in Mexico there are still beautiful stories such as this one in the making and emerging. Bien hecho Mata Ortiz, nunca olvidemos nuestras lindas tradiciones, y nuestra linda gente!
1 year ago
121 comments
Sign in to add your ownPolClary says: Featured
I love how reviving an old fashioned craft helped save a community. And that the manly looking men we potters! Pottery is an amazing art, and the idea that it's only for finnicky, delicate ladies with too much time on their hands isn't true. It takes true skills, craftmanship and steady hands.
1 year ago
Alaroycreature says:
And of course, you must show pictures of mexico as a rundown place with alot of sand and sun......*Sigh*
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
That first picture is stunning!
1 year ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
So many of the photos look like my area.
1 year ago
GalleryJuana says:
Amazing work!
1 year ago
lauraslastditch says:
The first pic is priceless. Wow!
1 year ago
Jackphelpsstudio says:
love the work, amazing !.
1 year ago
chaps676 says:
Alaroycreature, Mata Ortiz is indeed a village, so there are dirt roads and fortunately, lots of sunshine. But I hope that I did not give the impression that this is a rundown community. In fact, I hope the story proves quite the opposite. But you make a very good point — American journalism on Mexico often shows the extremes: poverty-stricken shanty towns or beautiful resort beaches. I invite you (and of course anyone else in the community!) to contact me if you have story ideas about Mexico that you think would be perfect for sharing with the Etsy community. As someone who spent many years around south Texas, I have so much love for Mexico, and would love to discover and write more about the country.
1 year ago
volkerwandering says:
Gorgeous pottery! Great story!
1 year ago
RivalryTime says:
This is beautiful.
1 year ago
alexkeller says:
I live in Tucson, so I see Mata Ortiz pottery quite often. It's so amazing and beautiful. i picked up a couple pieces that children made last year at the Tucson Museum of Art holiday craft fair. I love that it's a family craft and envy your experience! Sign me up!!!
1 year ago
sandboxcastle says:
Wow - these are gorgeous pots!!! I'm taking a pottery class right now so this is especially interesting to me... and is a great inspiration showing how beautiful and just how elevated this artform can be! (Although judging from my lopsided bowls, I have a long,long ways to go yet :P )
1 year ago
Colettesboutique says:
What a great read. I just enjoyed reading the story and looking at the great workmanship of the people living from their craft.
1 year ago
Citybytheseaceramics says:
awesome, thanks!
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
absolutely some of my favorite pottery. i love the wood burning kiln!
1 year ago
urbanponyarts says:
great story- i love the use of animal images along side geometric designs in these works.
1 year ago
rmoralespottery says:
Beautiful article! I loved the narrative and the images.
1 year ago
Ashesart1 says:
Beautiful!!
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
So beautiful!
1 year ago
kensgardenpottery says:
Thank you for the link to Laura and Hector's website. Nice pottery.
1 year ago
CheriDemeter says:
Muchas gracias!! Thank you so much for this inspiring reportage.
1 year ago
HeirloomOrphanage says:
Thank you for yet another fantastic 'tutorial'! I love learning about different potters and their journey through art & craft. Always love your articles - keep them coming.
1 year ago
Arthings says:
I really want to go in Mexico!! Grasias!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
I want that Mata Ortiz pot, gorgeous!
1 year ago
PittiVintage says:
I am from Mexico and reading this beautiful article makes me be proud of my country, not everything is that bad. Thank you so much :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Stunning work. Thanks for the introduction.
1 year ago
imogensattic says:
What an interesting, intelligent and thoughtfull article, thank you for sharing the experience.
1 year ago
ACupOfSparkle says:
All the designs are so intricate and beautiful! Great work!
1 year ago
dreamaginarius says:
I did not see the 'rundown' anywhere! On the contrary, It is a 'pueblo' so it is not expected to have Mansions' otherwise it would lose its flavor. All pictures are simple yet gorgeous! There is not possible to see the tenacity for art of these people but in the extraordinary way that it is. Thank you Chappell for sharing your experience in such a warm way! Loved the article :)
1 year ago
artworksbycarol says:
I love the folk side of this, doing it the way it used to be done.
1 year ago
litapsilverj says:
An excellent story!
1 year ago
auntjanecan says:
Wonderful story and great pottery!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
must have been an amazing experience. the sample pieces are gorgeous. it sounds and looks like the methods are traditional including the open air kiln and the clay slip "glaze".
1 year ago
bedouin says:
So many tiny details ~ beautiful pottery ~ interesting article
1 year ago
RossLab says:
These creations are so simple and intricate at the same time. I love them! I praise these dedicated and talented potters.
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
RAEchel Running's photos on her website are STUNNING...
1 year ago
ApricotStreet says:
This is AMAZING and so inspirational.
1 year ago
SchneiderGallery says:
wow! Breath taking!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Beautiful pots! I must say generational crafting is something I'm quite passionate about. After all most of the time these things aren't covered in books they're traded down person to person until it's forgotten who started what technique.
1 year ago
peshka says:
Great work!
1 year ago
NobleTextiles says:
Nice story!
1 year ago
arribachica says:
From an artist who is totally and completely inspired by Mexican culture I revel in this story of ingenuity, self-reliance, and artfulness that seem to be common qualilties found in the Mexican people!! :-)
1 year ago
wwbc says:
Terrific article! Having collected small Mata Ortiz pots for a few years, it's nice to have the historical aspect of this great art revealed. Thank you!
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Amazing work.
1 year ago
carambas says:
Thank you for sharing a wonderful story! It reminds me a lot of another town in Mexico, not far from Oaxaca where the whole town make "alebrijes" (fantastic animals wood carved and painted with bright colors). Many years ago I visited the workshop of Isidro Cruz. I understand he was key in introducing the technique in the town of Tilcajete. Now it is the main activity there. Maybe someone could tell the story much better than me. There is also information in wikipedia under the word "alebrije".
1 year ago
Bedelias says:
This article was so pleasant to read. I spent some time in Chihuahua a few years ago and had the most amazing time soaking up the culture. Beautiful people and beautiful work. What life is all about :-). Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
veskomom says:
Great story! Now if I could only hire the guy in the first picture to wedge my clay!
1 year ago
LisamariesPiece says:
Great article! Muchas gracias for the beautiful, intricately designed pottery and the stunning photos of the villiage/rancho.
1 year ago
pinksnakejewelry says:
Wonderful Article!!!! Beautiful Creations!!!! Envious of your Journey!!
1 year ago
mandragoradesign says:
AWWWW! I was born in Chihuahua, MX. Mata Ortiz is actually dusty, sunny town, awesome food and a very interesting train station. the pics look like a cliche, but the town is that way because of the lack of other economic income... everything is pottery! the town seems frozen, and everything is about the steady hand of each family. Thank you for the article. Never thought the gorgeous Mata Ortiz artwork would reach ETSY.
1 year ago
KKATProductions says:
This is so amazing.. Just wonderful!
1 year ago
ShabbyNChic says:
Great story. I love the rich culture that is part of the artisan. Thank you for writing this story and for featuring it.
1 year ago
thefuriousfrog says:
Great story! Makes me want to take up pottery and attempt an old school kiln.
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
thelittlereddoor says:
Absolutely wonderful!
1 year ago
ebrycknotables says:
Fab story. I'm lucky enough to own a Mata Ortiz pot and I LOVE it.
1 year ago
patspottery says:
Love all the posts about pottery lately:>)
1 year ago
cupcakegangster says:
gorgeous!
1 year ago
gloriafreshley says:
What a wonderfully informative article. Thank you so much for the introduction to this beautiful work.
1 year ago
PattiTrostle says:
Beautiful work! BTW..love the pic of the donkey and dogs!
1 year ago
marianamex says:
Hello! I loved the story. I have chosen to live my later years in Mexico, so I am very familiar with parts of your story. I live in a pueblo in the State of Mexio called Ahuatenco. My husband, who lives in Atlanta, comes down frequently to visit. We just went to Oaxaca for 4 days and visited several pottery families there. It's wonderful to see a new kind that I'm not familiar with. I want to go there. I'm glad that you went because so many Americans are afraid to go to Mexico because of the violence. What they don't realize is that it is not much different from the US - you just are careful not to go to a bad area and don't go out at night, just as in many places in the US. Our area has been hurt badly by the American press - I live near Cuernavaca which has been the center of 80 language schools almost all of which are now failing. I'm so happy to see a good article about Mexico!!! And the pottery is fascinating!
1 year ago
GoddessFindings says:
I thoroughly enjoyed this....such a rich article.... Many thanks!
1 year ago
katrinaalana says:
Great story! It's amazing that their community is able to thrive in crafts and are able to sell their products at a fair price. The work is exquisite and requires hours of work which commands a good price. I love the pot you chose for your own collection.
1 year ago
SkateBetty says:
Very cool stuff. RAEchel's flicker account has some great work too!
1 year ago
GroundEffect says:
Great article. There is much more to the story of Mexico and to its people. Thanks for telling the story American media forgets to mention.
1 year ago
BlueMoonLights says:
Love the article, thank you!
1 year ago
studiokgraphicdesign says:
Beautiful work!
1 year ago
garage79 says:
loved this... thank you!
1 year ago
ohlunarama says:
Great post!!
1 year ago
artsylizy says:
Originally called alfarería, this beautiful pottery tradition has been kept alive through the hard work and dedication of Mexican artisans. It is so wonderful to see how the new generations embrace it and continue to preserve it despite the development of technology and the manufacturing industry. :-)
1 year ago
glasfaden says:
Wonderful post. Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
totallyelegant says:
Pottery is my second love after jewelry. Their work is so beautiful! Their dedication and ambition is comendable, as is all the inspiring artists on Etsy. I would love to have a piece of theirs. I am so inspired by their work and especially the article and photos. My photos need work, but I will keep working! Thanks!
1 year ago
anapauladelao says:
I loved you post and have enjoyed people's comments as well. I am originally from Mexico and places like Mata Ortiz are very special places. It is interesting some of the comments as to me MO has nothing about the "run down" that some of you may see... I see other things: beautiful landscape, community spirit, love and pride for tradition and so on. I could even smell the hand made tortillas ... There is still a need for many things, things that we think we need, but they have things that usually we don't have in cities. Thank you for the post. Mexico's pottery is a fascinating world and worth more recognition and support.
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Reinvention is what it's all about.
1 year ago
MadeinMogotes says:
I love that picture with the donkey. Reminds me of the little rural village in Colombia where I spent six months this year. What a great story :) Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
sheilasthings says:
This is a wonderful story. Thank you for showing us how the dirt/clay was dug and fired. That - to me, is a complete potter. Most of us buy our nice clean mud in a plastic bag and fire it in a vacuumed kiln!! Predictable; yes but it can become boring and stagnant too. Your story reminds me what it's all about and why I fell in love with clay in the first place. The pottery form and decoration is beautiful. I would love to see it in person some day!
1 year ago
GABLI says:
Bella historia y fotos. Thank you for sharing this with us…such great talent from great people.
1 year ago
ParisPennsylvania says:
Love the story ! Beautiful antidote to the drug and violence riddled mexico portrayal by the media. The pottery is stunning and i love the top picture! And what's wrong with the pictures of dust and donkeys???? Sheesh people stop nitpicking! Where i live people would think we are all Amish farmers with cows in our front yards because that IS basically what you will see when you're out in the country and i for one love it. It's wonderful to know that there are places on this planet that aren't paved over and have starbucks on every corner and people walking by with their heads plugged into an ipod or cell phone! I love the fact that somewhere donkeys and dogs are ambling around and the local economy is based on some of the most exquisite pottery being made on this earth and the artists are listening to music on their big screen TV's.
1 year ago
AnimaliaRepublic says: Featured
Amazing story, one of those stories that reminds you to never forget your background, your heritage, traditions or crafts. My work now is possible because of handed down/inherited craft. Makes me very proud to read this story and proud to be a Mexican and reminded that in these hard times in Mexico there are still beautiful stories such as this one in the making and emerging. Bien hecho Mata Ortiz, nunca olvidemos nuestras lindas tradiciones, y nuestra linda gente!
1 year ago
danapereabloede says:
I appreciated the store and thought it was well written. The pottery is amazing! I love how you showed the process involved, too. Yes, pottery and other crafts are respected artworks to be adored : )
1 year ago
cynthiadeckernp says:
Beautiful pottery, beautiful scenery, such talented artists.
1 year ago
GildedLilyGallery says:
My great-grandmother is from around this area. I am still learning abundant amounts about family heritage, or just the culture in general. Wow, this is a great look into the past!
1 year ago
FlowerOfTheDead says:
Does my heart good to see that.
1 year ago
looking4lilly says:
Another fantastic post. I've really grown to love the etsy blog. Such intersting topics, thank you!
1 year ago
KellyEMarra says:
I loved this article! They are amazing and so beautiful! What a precious experience for you and the other students.
1 year ago
dahliasoleil says:
I visited Oaxaca, Mexico and their culture is such an artistic bunch.I saw people constantly creating while I was there ...bought a hand crocheted bag from a woman selling from the street corner.Awesome story about the potters.Amazing work.
1 year ago
frogfruit says:
Laura Cota's intricate style is so amazing, love it! Thank you for sharing this little piece of artisan life, I enjoyed the article and the pic with the donkey and dogs (my favorite animals). :D
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
This is what I would love to see happen with Hawaiian indigenous art. We were such a creative society and much of our art was viewed as pagan and discouraged. Some aspects of it remained, some are being revived, however we have just touched on the tip of the iceberg. So awesome that these peoples art is their interpretation and not that of outside influences. Thank you, mahalo for this interview.
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Wow! So amazing!
1 year ago
aussiekn says:
wonderfu!!
1 year ago
megsantiques says:
Wonderfully written! Made me feel as if I was there! Each piece of pottery is so beautiful, and truly unique. Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
cadreams says:
Beautiful-thanks!
1 year ago
SewnNatural says:
this is fabulous - thank you! really loved seeing these photos and hearing your personal account. there's a great kids book we read last year about this story - called "The Pot that Juan Built" - perfect for toddlers and little kids. Very inspiring!
1 year ago
originalsbyannemarie says:
Just love it!
1 year ago
eightnaytivemoons says:
This is a beautiful art form that seems to have not died. Reality is reality...if this is rural country then there are no skyscrapers, Starbucks, or Wall Street....just pure spiritual artwork. I would love to be able to make pottery out of mother earth. Maybe someday I will learn. It's a beautifully written...makes me want to go there and learn...
1 year ago
floridascarf says:
What a gorgeous story. And what an opportunity for the lucky writer. The passion, tradition, and lifestyle that make that story are so powerful. That is the true essence of craft and handmade. It humbles me.
1 year ago
iktomi says:
Great story! I'm very familiar with Mata Ortiz pottery, and used to carry it when I owned a gift shop in Texas. A wonderful value and and economical way to start a collection of fine craft. I find much of the best Mexican pottery rivals that of Native American pottery, but commands much lower prices. Thank you for a great article.
1 year ago
rayela says:
Gorgeous work and so nice to see one of the cultural crafts featured here on Etsy! I would love to see Etsy embrace groups which work with craft communities and fair trade, something like eBay does with its World of Good program. Current Etsy rules make it very difficult for designers and others who represent indigenous people to have a presence here.
1 year ago
NewModernArt says:
Amazing work!
1 year ago
MarieVaughnDesign says:
A modern spin on an old tradition ;) Lovely
1 year ago
HappyBonesArt says:
What an inspirational story! Pottery saving a town? Can't get any cooler than that! Their pottery are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the wonderful article.
1 year ago
raechelrunning says:
ART > FEAR My visit to document Juan Quezada and Spencer Mac Callum and the community of Mata Ortiz and Casas Grandes changed my life. It is a place of magic and resiliency - steeped in history and inspiration. It one of the most compelling stories in spite of the horrible media about the border issues overstated with ART being under reported ; We are grateful for this positive and inspiring story ; MIL GRACIAS ! For more info on the region please visit; www.centerforcasasgrandesstudies.com / www.mataortizcalander.com and www.raechelrunning.com and more photos : http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmrunningphoto/collections/72157622886202711/
1 year ago
TwinDreamCreations says:
Wonderful story!
1 year ago
heathersartstudio says:
Love This Story!
1 year ago
nattybratty says:
Inspirational. Thank you for highlighting such secret gems.
1 year ago
flourpowercolorado says:
We often don't think about it, but pottery was one of the pillars of building human civilization. In the far east, it was key to boiling rice and therefore gaining a carbohydrate for sedentary agrarian living. In the West, it was the key to transporting diverse foodstuffs and other necessities of life. Gorgeous pictures and a heartwarming story.
1 year ago
DexMex says:
Viva la Mexico! It’s what I’m all about.
1 year ago
BrittneyWest says:
Gorgeous work! Very inspiring...thanks for sharing! "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do."--Rumi
1 year ago
pachamamalove8 says:
Great story. Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
bigbluebed says:
Thank you for this wonderful read. It is so lovely to see this craft and learn a bit about the people. Beautiful pots.
1 year ago
5gardenias says:
beautiful beautiful -- heartening and inspiring! thank you for the wonderful feature!
1 year ago
GoldhawkPotteryEtc says:
Thank you for posting this wonderful story. I love reading about native traditions and designs, and enjoying learning about how they make their work. Its great to hear that pottery still has relevance to so many.
1 year ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
So amazing! What a great article! Thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
FreakyPeas says:
what a great experience. thanks for sharing. I am also a lover of Mexico.
1 year ago
leanderdambrosia says:
Muchas Gracias! I love Mexico and the peoples rich culture, vibrant art and exquisite crafts. I get down there every chance can and am always inspired by the beauty! It's refreshing to see Mexico painted in a positive, creative, compassionate light... Unfortunately most coverage that Mexico receives in the US mainstream media is negative and terrifying... which is very far from reality when you actually spend time there and get to know the locals!
1 year ago
wmalexalvarez says:
loved this!
1 year ago
brandyjimenez says:
My best friend’s mom makes $77 an hour on the computer. She has been out of job for 9 months but last month her check was $7487 just working on the computer for a few hours. Read about it here NuttyRich dot com
1 year ago
nicilaskin says:
this is an amazing story, it sounds like you will never forget your experience and the people in this little village, it is nice to hear something good out of mexico with all those negative puplicity , bravo on showing me and others that the majority of Mexican people are indeed normal people trying to get by day by day and inventing themselfs new in this world
1 year ago
ArtandArtisan says:
Such a beautiful and inspiring story. One artist with a vision can change his or her corner of the world. In an increasingly mass-produced and cookie cutter world, to have men and women not just revive an ancient craft, but carry it forward artistically, is a moving lesson for us all.
1 year ago
museumofcraftology says:
bring back Colima dog pottery!
1 year ago
jimboojag says:
Such a great story, the people in all México are so nice and the pottery it's to diferent and beauty where ever you are. Thanks for give us the other face of the country.
1 year ago