The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz [Paperback]

SUSAN LOWELL (Author), Jorge Quintana (Author), Walter Parks (Author), W. Ross Humphreys (Author), Robin Stancliff (Author), James Hills (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1999

Over the past three decades a flowering of extraordinary ceramic art has been underway in a tiny village on the high plains of northern Mexico--hardly the place to expect an artistic movement in the late twentieth century. Yet art lovers have been coming from all over the world to see the people of this poor, backwater village of Mata Ortiz work their earthly magic at kitchen tables and backyards all over town. Several noted experts have collaborated in these pages to tell the remarkable story of Mata Ortiz. Personal histories of nearly 100 potters are included, 260 photographs in full color, a visitor's guide, index of potters, and a schedule of exhibitions in the U. S. and Mexico are included.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Rio Nuevo (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887896082
• ISBN-13: 978-1887896085
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #39 in Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Ceramics

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unleashing a Ceramic Art Movement, December 6, 1999

By 

Honora E. Levin - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz (Paperback)

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.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Many Faces Of Mata Ortiz, September 7, 2000

By 

brooks "forgiver" (delray beach, fl United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz (Paperback)

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.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BeauBeautiful photography of sublime pottery and artisans, December 13, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Tucson, Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz (Hardcover)

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.