CasaDeMataOrtiz

See "ABOUT US" for info on Juan Quezada & the Mata Ortiz art movement.

I've recently returned from the village of Mata Ortiz excited, not only by the incredibly creative art that continues flowing, but also by the pride and self respect of the artists.  I could not help but notice that prices for the ollas have not only risen, but that they are proudly declared by artists that show a feeling of accomplishment.

I first started comming to Mata Ortiz about 6 years ago.  I remember my first trip.  I bought a few ollas from a few artists that were showing their wares on a blanket spread on the ground.  I was surprised by how easy it was to negociate, and how desperate these few artists were that I dealt with on that windy day.  They seemed willing to sell their hard work and brillant tallent for next to nothing.  Any little bit of money to help pay the bills this week.

One of those artists was Sara Corona.  She made a few very small pots, a bit rustic, but with some distinctive features that caught my eye.  I still deal with Sara.  But now days her ollas are not only bigger, but much finer, and very salable.  She is one of the most "duro" (hard to deal with) of the artists. Don't get me wrong, she is more friendly than ever, charming and very willing to help in any way she can; that is any way but budge on her rising prices.  She is rightfully proud of her fine tuned skills, and knows that if this old gringo doesn't pay her price, a collector or trader will soon come along and snatch up her work.  Sara is perhaps my favorite artist.  I was drawn to her work in the very beginning.  Witnessing her success was, I think, the highlight of this recent trip.

Sara Corona is a great example of the miracle of Mata Ortiz.  She exemplifies what I see in the village as a whole.  These amazing artists are truely reaping well deserved rewards from their intensive artistic labor.