Russell Sanchez (San Ildefonso) and Arthur Lopez (Hispanic), have created unique collaborative works for the first time this year.  The vessel was made by Russell and stone polished with a black clay. The wood sections were carved by Arthur.  After the piece is carved, is covered in gesso (a glue made from rabbit hide) which is allowed to dry and then sanded.  It is painted with both natural and water color pigment.  Natural colored pigments, such as the brown, are derived from black walnut hulls.  Russell uses traditional clay from San Ildefonso, which is then coil built, stone polished and traditionally fired.  These are the time involved and historic foundations for this collaboration.

The jar is polished with a black clay slip.  The rim is polished a deep red.  Russell has included two bands of copper leaf and inset hei-shi beads.  The sgraffito design is meant to complement the carved figurative work.

The clay vessel made by Russell Sanchez in a stylized form of the Sacred Heart. The wood panel on the front, and the wood sword, were carved by Arthur Lopez. The figure represents the Mother of Sorrows and the sword is symbolic of how Mary’s heart was broken seven times during the Passion.   Asymmetrical heart shape also has the ‘blood’ coming from the wound, represents the pain a mother is always feeling for their children.