Suazo, Ron – Black and Sienna Jar with Stones and Corn Lid (1990s)

Ron Suazo learned to make pottery from his mother, Clara Suazo.  His sister is Margaret Garcia.  He said of his work, “As a result of studying both traditional and early designs, my decision was to create my own style, yet include a combination of both, with feather designs, bear paws, and early designs with inlaid turquoise and coral stones on both completely polished black pots, and on matte finish pottery.”.  This jar has a round shape and a polished front. The front polished medallion is etched with a starburst pattern. It is surrounded by six bear paws.  The neck of the jar is etched with four rows of mountain designs.  The jar was fired black and then two-toned in areas sienna.  There are two turquoise stones in the neck of the jar.  The bear paws are inset with coral and turquoise.  There are small sienna medallions with inset turquoise. There is another single inset piece of turquoise in the center of the polished medallion. The lid for the piece is very unusual, as it is carved in the shape of an ear of corn, fully etched, and then fired black and two-toned sienna.  There is an additional coral and turquoise inset for the lid. The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Ron Suazo”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.