Copper Stories
Mata Ortiz Potters…Manuel Rodriguez
This guy is one of the more skilled and famous potters in Mata Ortiz and his story is fascinating. He grew up with one of Juan Quezadas’ sons and watched the development of the pottery movement as a child. He is featured in the film, “The Mata Ortiz Phenomenon” from The American Museum of Ceramic [...]
Full StoryYes…buy travel insurance.
@TravelNewsFeed tweeted today on best advice for getting travel insurance for your international trip and I could not agree more. Quoted was Terry Ward on Aol travel. “You planned your vacation months in advance. The hotels are booked. The rental car pickup arranged. You even asked friends for a list of restaurant recommendations. But did [...]
Full StoryMata Ortiz Potters…Lupito and Ledezma
I am a bit sketchy on these names, but not a bit doubtful of the quality of their work. The extended family in this home specializes in effigy work and their pots almost always include some animal portrayals.
Full StoryMata Ortiz Potters…Lori Andrew
On the dusty quiet street in Mata Ortiz last week, we met two teenage girls with some ceramic creations that were a little different. Masks like the ones produced down country but with techniques from Mata Ortiz. Two masks which are the creation of their mother, Lori Andrew.
Full StoryMata Ortiz Potters…Rosy Mora
Outside the Villalba home Rosy waited with a few polychrome wonders…nothing was said as I selected several small Christmas ornaments and 2 small pots…delicate and smooth. A simple display of Mata Ortiz Pottery.
Full StoryMata Ortiz Potters…Cesar and Gaby Dominguez
On the walls clung shelves and brackets with the supplies and detritus of 100s of days of shaping, sanding, painting…the meticulous potting culture of Mata Ortiz. Before us a beaming Cesar Dominguez holds one of his little pots, a unique museum quality green and graphite gem.
Full StoryMata Ortiz Potters…the Villalba Family
We wandered around the Villalba home/studio for at least an hour…a truly Mexican home and an earthy potting environment. The matriarch watched with few words as I ran my naive eyes over her clay miracles. The walls behind her were layered with crosses, the pope, Jesus, Mary, lots of lights… The use of the reject car [...]
Full StoryMata Ortiz Potters…Gerardo Mora
North of Copper Canyon, the town of Mata Ortiz is filled with potters…they call it “The Mata Ortiz Pottery Phenomenon”. You can actually get a vivid description of this on the video of the same name produced by The American Museum of Ceramic Art. This wonderful video includes footage of Mata Ortiz, interviews with Spencer [...]
Full StoryMata Ortiz Potters…Tina and Eusebio Sandoval
Last week I was down in Mata Ortiz and made the rounds of ten or more homes visiting and buying pots. Diana Acosta was with me as was Alfredo Murillo. Alfredo (pictured in this recent post) is my right hand in Chihuahua City where he lives with his wife Norma and kids. He also guides [...]
Full StoryIs Copper Canyon Mexico safe for travel?
This question is the most common and important question I get about our tours to this majestic place. The answer is YES it is safe…and of course certain guidelines for travel are prudent as with travel to any city or remote area in the US. I have recently visited with three well- informed experts from [...]
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