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:

“Taking on the graceful swooping flight of the eagle, the dancers on this piece perform the tsay shadeh.”

The jar is painted with two eagle dancers on one side and a swirling eagle on the other side. The eagle has an avanyu in the center of the designs and extended feathers.  Note the painting of the clouds!  Below the shoulder are rain clouds.  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 has won “Best of Pottery” at Gallup Ceremonials in 2017 and has been featured in articles in Cowboys & Indians Magazine and Native Art Magazine.