WOW!  This is a spectacular water jar by Robert Patricio.  He is known for his classic forms and use of both traditional and pre-historic imagery.  This jar is coil-built and thin-walled.  The jar was inspired by a similarly shaped water jar by Lucy Lewis (see last photo).  It is not just the size of the jar, but the indented shoulder and the way it moves the design that is so exceptional. The jar is painted with a classic “sunset lightning” design. It varies from black to white to red and orange.  The colors flow across the surface with a dynamic appearance.  Note how the design follows the shape of the jar but creates an interesting illusion when looked at from the side. It is exciting to see such a creative form with such a detailed design. The jar was painted with bee-weed (black) and natural clay slips.  The jar is fluid in geometric design and has an amazing modernist appearance!  Robert is certainly one of the leading traditional Acoma potters working today which is evidenced by his stunning forms and complex designs.  The jar is signed on the bottom, “R. M. Patricio”.

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