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 bowl has a scene with a story of the Turkey Girl.   He writes of this piece:

“Turkey Girl’s tattered and worn rainment was taken and transformed itno beautiful garments: a dazzling necklace and intricately woven mantle were drpaed upon her arms.  The turkeys that she tended to presented these gifts: for they knew her heart’s desire was to participate in the festivites being held in the neighboring village. In exchange for this and the kindness she always borew towards them, they were given freedeom and traveresed into the narrow mountain pass where they reside to this day”.

The jar is truly polychrome (more than three colors of clay).  Note the intricacy of the painted designs and especially the figures.  It is striking how he has depicted the Turkey Girl and the receiving of her necklace and manta.  As well, the stylized turkeys painted as they enter the mountain pass is wonderful!  Finally, there is a large stylized turkey painted on one section of the jar.  This piece 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 one of the Turkey Girl and a turkey.  What a phenomenal addition to this piece and the painting helps to better understand how exceptional Juan is with his art.  While Juan has been painting the pottery for only a few years, he most recently won “Best of Pottery” at Gallup Ceremonials in 2017!