Juan de la Cruz creates complex painted polychrome pottery.  He is a son of noted potter Lois Gutierrez.  Juan is noted for his paintings and illustrations and takes his talent to the clay using all-natural clay slips to create the designs!  This water jar is truly polychrome (more than three colors of clay).  The piece tells this story:

“The Kossa bring forth their own commentary on aspects of life and the human condition, all with a great deal of humor.  In this piece, the many loves that can be pursued by the individual” while elements of society attempt to control the unpredictable nature of life as represented by the kicking donkey.  This is the first time that I’ve designed the pottery with ah humorous kossa theme, taking inspiration from the many pots that my mom has created over the years in this same vein.”

The jar is painted with several Kossa (Koshari) clowns.  One is presenting his love with flowers.  The next is weighing traditional foods versus fast foods.  The third one is being kicked by a donkey, which has also knocked another one over.  In the background is a rainbow and below the shoulder are hearts and rainclouds. Not only is the painting and figurative work exceptional, but the story of this piece is powerful.  The description is written on the back of a hand-painted watercolor graphic.  His paintings are a phenomenal addition to each piece of his work.  The painting helps to better understand how exceptional Juan is with his art. The jar is signed, “Juan”.  He won “Best of Pottery” at Gallup Ceremonials in 2017 and has been featured in articles in Cowboys & Indians Magazine and Native Art Magazine.  The last photos are of the piece in process and being fired.