Juan Cruz is creating some beautifully painted polychrome pottery.  He is a son of noted potter Lois Gutierrez.  Lois made the jar and Juan, who is noted for his illustrations, painted the design using natural clay slips..  This is Juan’s first attempt at a large vessel, which certainly requires different skills to paint something so large.  Juan wrote of the scene he painted as follows:

“This jar depicts an array of hero warriors carrying their identifying shields with them as the rush forward into battle.  The Blue Corn Girls look on as the scene is played out.”

The jar is truly polychrome (more than three colors of clay).  Note the intricacy of the painted designs and especially the figures.  They are each distinctive in stance or dress. Each shield is a different design and the designs on the girls dresses are also intricately painted. The jar has been traditionally fired outdoor and overall is a striking coloration.  It is signed on the indented bottom of the jar by both Juan and Lois.  The description is written on the back of a hand painted graphic of a Pueblo woman warrior with an avanyu in the background.  What a phenomenal addition to this piece and the painting helps to better understand how exceptional Juan is with his art.

Juan also won “Best of Pottery” at Gallup Ceremonials in 2017!