This is a classic shaped bowl by Jordan Roller.  It is coil built, carved and stone polished.  The bowl has series of clouds and lightning which encircle the bowl. As the bowl is turned, the clouds move back and reveal a single star in the skyline of the design.  The carving is classic and yet has a very “graffiti-like” inspiration.  Jordan carves into the clay to create both wide areas and very thin carved lines.  The thin lines are often created by just using sandpaper!  It is this alternation of thick and thin lines which is distinctive to his work but also moves the eye to the various patterns.  Jordan has reinterpreted the classic imagery of Santa Clara pottery though a modern lens.  While the designs evolve it is the tradition of the clay, polishing and traditional firing which holds firm. On this jar the firing has created a deep brown coloration. The bowl is signed, “Jordan Roller”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

Brand

Roller, Jordan (b. 1987)

Jordan Roller

Jordan Roller (b.1987) is certainly one of the young potters to watch. He learned to make pottery from his grandmother, Toni Roller, and his father, Jeff Roller. He is also a great-grandson of noted Santa Clara Pottery Matriarch, Margaret Tafoya. When Jordan returned from college, he began making pottery with his father, brother and grandmother.  His family all recognized his unique ability as a potter, and while he has been making pottery since he was a child, it is his recent work which has risen to a new level of sophistication in form, polish, carving and firing techniques.  His designs combine contemporary versions of traditional Pueblo designs, with bold polished and mat decorations around the pots. His distinctive carving techniques combine wide spaces, and thinly carved lines that provide a unique strength in each creation.