Jeff Suina works in clay and multi-media.  Each piece is made from native clay, painted with bee-weed (a plant) for the design, and traditionally fired.  This is one of his creative sculptural pieces. The jar is slab built, to create the flat sides. This piece is exceptional with the contrasting angles and sharp ridges.  It has a fluidity of form. Jeff said of this piece:

Aurora is a striking geometric polychrome sculpture created in January 2024. This shape features shocking angles and stark contrasts between positive and negative space. Aurora features patterns of contemporary and Cochiti Pueblo designs with the blacks coming from native spinach (rocky mountain bee plant). All of the clays and pigments were gathered and prepared by Jeff. Aurora is named after the phenomena known as aurora borealis, which is full of magnetic and electric activity at the earths poles.

Take a closer look at the painted designs.  They are all variations of classic Cochit geometric lightning designs.  Jeff has used the angles of the shape to tie with the lines of the imagery across the surface.  The traditional firing gives the piece a bit of a “smoky” appearance.   As well, I think it makes a statement about traditional firing and the ensuing results in place of electric kiln firing.  There is something enchanting about the modern angular shape in complement with traditional materials and firing.  It is part of the movement forward in Native pottery.  One thing you can’t see, but can feel, is how smooth Jeff sanded and polished the surface.  It has a suede-like feel!  The piece is signed, “Jeff Suina”.