Virgil Ortiz created dynamic imagery,  such as the aeronauts, for his series of the Pueblo Revolt 1680/2180.  This jar is a different shape with a high shoulder and elongated neck.  The jar has two Aeronatus on each side.  Note how Virgil utilizes negative space in painting the faces.  The figures are separated by plant and tendril designs.  There are also his signature turkey track which looks like an “x”, next to each of the figures, signifying their travels.  The neck of the jar has a cloud design.  The jar is made from native clay, native clay slips and wild spinach (the black).  The piece is signed on the bottom. The use of traditional and contemporary imagery has become a standard for Virgil’s pottery as he pushes the boundaries of contemporary Native clay.   Virgil said of the Aeronauts in his story of the Pueblo Revolt:

“These futuristic scenes underscore the movement Ortiz infuses in these clay works and their complicated painting. “I wanted to create an illusion of motion using the sculpting and painting. The Blind Archer series has a more three-dimensional style of sculpture. The Aeronauts, I designed them so they look like they are launching off like a rocket or an aircraft. They are portrayed like the Ancient Ancestors (aliens). They are laid back and surrounded with old style ‘hieroglyphics.’” “There are always three Ancestors on each Survivorship to guide them, they represent the wisdom of the elders within the marvels of technology.” The Survivorships are an integral part of the narrative and create a link from the ancient past to the future.”  Revolt 1680/2180