Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Rio Nuevo (November 1999)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1887896082
ISBN-13: 978-1887896085
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.7 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #609,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #174 in Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Ceramics #1328 in Books > Arts & Photography > Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions #1424 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > Native American Studies
There have been other books and journal articles written about this remote Mexican village, but with the publication of "The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz," a more comprehensive exposure is given to the talented artisans living there. No longer will Americans snub their noses at the Made in Mexico country of origin trademark.The incredible pottery of Mata Ortiz has done much to dispel the notion of Mexican art as being inferior to American art.People the world over can now appreciate the beauty of the works that are produced in the village since the book clearly shows the artists with full-size colored photographs of their creations. In addition, but not less important, the authors introduce us to the potters in such a personal way that we can't help but feel an attachment to them and to their lives.We also learn of the historical importance of the ancient Casas Grandes ruins from which Juan Quezada, the founder of the movement, first explored and experimented. This nearby pre-Columbian city was an important trading center from Mesoamerica to the Southwest and was noted in the 12th to the 15th centuries for its high quality pottery production. Now, people will have a greater understanding of the connection between the tribes of Mexico to the tribes of the Southwest. This book has it all and is most welcomed by experts and collectors alike.
This is the best pottery book I have ever found! It is layed out in an informative, and beautiful manner. Not only is the pottery exquisite, but the photographs represent the pieces at their best. It is easy to understand, and gets one passionate about an art movement, that we can actually be a part of, in this twenty-first century. It is highly unsual to be living during a time when a new art movement is going on, and still striving for it's pinnacle. We see this with the unequalled workmanship of the Matiz Ortiz people in their Casas Grandes/Matiz Ortiz pottery. I really enjoyed getting to know each potter by name and photo, coupled with seeing their work, and feeling a part of their extended family. Juan Quesada, the founder of this artistic movement, is a highly spiritual individual, generous and gifted beyond belief. He is the reason that this wonderful pottery is being shown to the world. I am an artist that does pottery, and a retired teacher. I would recommend this book to all art teachers, and anyone who appreciates great art.
This book was my introduction to the world of the artisans of Mata Ortiz, Mexico, and their amazing ceramic creations. While the decorative motifs and other aspects of the pottery were familiar to me, I found that the photography, which I suspect was done with specialized "light painting" techniques, brought out the form, texture, and pattern of the pieces with wonderfully rich detail and nuance. The images were clearly created by a photographer who was very intent on rendering a physical, tactile sense of the objects she was recording. Coupled with other photographs of the artisans at work, and the surrounding Mexican landscape, the book is a compelling portrait of both the people who create the works of art and the art itself.
Almost 40 years ago Juan Quesada from the village of Mata Ortiz in Chihuahua singlehandedly revived Casa Grande style pottery. This book is a beautifully illustrated account of his success, along with the other artists of the village who learned from him. Becoming familiar with these artists should lay to rest the notion held by many Americans that Mexican imports are second class. These paper-thin pots are as beautiful as any you will ever see. This book has color photographs of many of the potters from Mata Ortiz as well as pictures of their pots. There is information on how the pots are made-- they are all built by hand from native materials, painted with brushes made from the artists' children's hair and fired over cow dung.The book has a lot of interesting details-- for instance, when the Pope visited Mexico a few years ago, he was given three of these magnificent pots. Another fascinating tidbit is that one of every seven citizens of this village makes these pots. They have gone from doing manual labor to creating works of art.Owning this book is the next best thing to owning a Mata Ortiz pot.
This book is next best to a trip to Mata Ortiz...and we have made numerous forays into the wonderful world of Juan Quesada/Spencer McCallum! An once of a kind story that never would have happened had not these two men's paths crossed...get the book, read the story and then go visit...you will never be the same!
Interesting, interesting book about the potter families of Mata Ortiz. If all the pottery you have seen was in a road side store in Arizona or New Mexico, you should look closely at the ollas in this book. The level of skill and detail is astounding. I have two ollas from this region now as prized possessions.
I'd give 10 stars if I could! I have many books on Hopi and Southwest Indian pottery but none even come close to this one. Beautiful, Amazing,page after page of beautiful color photographs of Amazing pottery.
This is a wonderful book and the photography of the individual pieces is wonderful. A treasure for a collector and a great book for someone who would like a coffee table book related to the American southwest.
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