Ortiz, Guadalupe – Standing Figurative Clay Bear (1980s)

Guadalupe Ortiz was the husband of noted potter Seferina Ortiz and the father of Virgil, Joyce, Janice, and Inez Ortiz.  He learned to make pottery from Seferina and his work has a whimsical charm.  This bear is coil-built with an open mouth.  It is painted with wild spinach (black) and traditionally fired.  It is not often we have had one of his bears, as it was typically Seferina who was known for her bear storytellers.  This piece has a simple folk-art look and certainly evokes a smile!  It is signed, “G. Ortiz”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

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Ortiz, Guadalupe (1929-2015)

Guadalupe Ortiz was the husband of noted potter Seferina Ortiz and the father of Virgil, Joyce, Janice, and Inez Ortiz. He learned to make pottery from Seferina and only began making pottery in 1998.  His few frogs and figurative work remain a charming part of Cochiti pottery history.