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. The piece is entitled, “Obsidian”.  Jeff wrote about this piece:

“This jar has bold mathematical edges and daring painted designs, Obsidian is a radical departure from conventional Cochiti Pueblo pottery. As with many of my polygonal pieces, this beauty is inspired by real-life geometries found in nature. In this case, obsidian volcanic rock. The organic painted patterns are groundbreaking and mesmerizing and seem to speak in an ancient language of their own.  I gathered and prepared the materials to create Obsidian, including processing the clay and slip, and cooking the native spinach to produce the black paint. This piece was fired outdoors as well in the traditional manner and is signed.”

Take a closer look at the painted designs.  They are all variations of classic Cochit geometric cloud and sun patterns.  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. It is interesting as the smokiness is less noticeable at a distance.  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”.