The Artistry and History of Mata Ortiz
by John V. Bezy and Stuart D. Scott
Mata Ortiz Pottery and pots, Potters, Artistry and artists
This elegant new 2010 book about Mata Ortiz potters provides a valuable resource for museum directors, gallery owners, and collectors of fine ceramics from the pottery-making village of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. The 9 by 12-inch, lavishly illustrated 164-page book, is co-authored by geologist John V. Bezy and archaeologist Stuart D. Scott, who have had a long association with the Mata Ortiz area and potters. Noted Tucson designers Jackson Boelts and John Bianchi designed the book, which was printed by Arizona Lithographers.
Part I presents the natural and human history of the Mata Ortiz area including accounts of the prehistoric people of Paquimé, who built a religious, trading, and manufacturing center, which influenced much of what is now northern Mexico and the American Southwest. The Spanish colonial era, the struggle for Mexico’s independence, the Apache wars, the rise of Luis Terrazas and foreign investors, the arrival of Mormon and Mennonite settlers, the turmoil of the Mexican Revolution, and the development of today’s economy in Part I sets the stage for detailing the ceramic renaissance of Mata Ortiz in Part II.
Part II beautifully illustrates the work of 45 second-generation potters of Mata Ortiz. It features the work of these artists who are taking the ceramics renaissance founded by Juan Quezada in the 1970s to new frontiers in design, color, and form. In this section Spencer MacCallum also relates his work with Juan during the early years, and he fully describes how these beautiful pots are formed, painted, and fired.
The Artistry and History of Mata Ortiz
$29.95 retail
Business discounts available
Ordering Information:
John Bezy or Stuart Scott
