This is a spectacular large water jar by Robert Patricio.  This jar has a high, round shoulder and a short neck.  The jar is painted with bee-weed and different clay slips.  Technically, this is always difficult to create and not have it crack during drying or firing.  Robert was inspired in this form by historic Acoma vessels.  This jar has four large Acoma birds or parrots as the main design.  They are painted in red and tan clay slips. Surrounding the birds are large plant designs.  Note the complexity of the flowers and leaves that flow and undulate with the shape of the jar!  The jar has a kinetic design flow that is emphasized by the variety of clay colors!  The base is painted with red clay.  It is signed on the bottom, “R.  M.  Patricio”.  The jar is an exciting extension of his artistry in clay and continues the amazing Acoma legacy.   

Robert said recently of his pottery:

““The pottery inspires me to keep going.  Keeping the tradition alive in making pottery, that’s how we were brought up.  Our ancestors started making pottery.  It’s amazing what comes of a piece of clay. When you come to Acoma it’s peacuful and quite.  When you look a piece of pottery, you see the same peacefulness.”   Robert Patricio, 2020