Virgil Ortiz Cochiti Pueblo Ram Dancer Figure [SOLD]

This Pueblo Ram Dancer figure was created in 2003 by Cochiti Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz. Over the years, Ortiz has explored a wide variety of subjects and themes with his ceramics. Some are traditional, and others are innovative and experimental in nature. All of Ortiz' pieces are made using the methods and materials that have been used at Cochiti for centuries. With this particular piece, Ortiz chooses a traditional subject, offering a modern-looking depiction of a Pueblo Ram Dancer. It is a beautifully crafted polychrome piece, using bold black and orange pigments to depict dance regalia and a gorgeous pattern of cloud and storm designs.

In Charles S. King's book Virgil Ortiz: Revolution, the artist describes the incredible amount of work that goes into each of his works. This process begins with the gathering of local clay. He does this with his nieces and nephews, so that they'll know where to find it if they, too, become potters. The clay is then ground, sifted and soaked repeatedly over the course of about a year, after which it is ready for use. Pots and figurines are painstakingly and carefully coil-built and scraped into their ideal forms, dried for weeks, and then treated with sandpaper.

The red clay is then coated with a slip made from white Bentonite clay, a precious resource that is in short supply at the pueblo. Ortiz has experimented with Bentonite from elsewhere as well as various commercial options, but he was dissatisfied with the results, so he continues hunting for local sources alongside his descendants. Wild spinach, which is collected and prepared in a separate but equally time-consuming process, is used for the painted black designs. Firing occurs outdoors, using cedar as fuel, with chicken wire and cow manure surrounding each piece. A metal box is used on occasion. Many pieces break during firing, which adds one additional challenge to a process that already requires incredible skill and patience.

The figurine's left foot is signed and dated Virgil Ortiz, Cochiti Pueblo, 03. The figurine stands securely. A black stand, which grips the piece gently by its shins, is included.

Virgil Ortiz (1969-) is from Cochiti Pueblo and is the son of Seferina Ortiz and the grandson of Laurencita Herrera. Ortiz learned the art of pottery making, as well as the many steps required to gather and prepare the necessary materials, from his ancestors. He has recalled childhood memories of watching his mother build pottery, noting that he was unaware that she was creating art. Rather, he believed that it was something everybody did. Ortiz has gone on to become one of the most innovative pueblo artists, working not just as a potter but with a variety of other media and practices. His works are included in many notable museums around the world.

Condition: very good condition, some pigment abrasions on arm and foot

Provenance: this Virgil Ortiz Cochiti Pueblo Ram Dancer Figure is froma a private California collection

References:

- Virgil Ortiz: Revolution, by Charles S. King

- Man of Clay, Penelope Hunter-Stiebel, El Palacio, Winter 2016

TAGS: traditional pottery vessels, jewelry, Seferina Ortiz, Cochiti Pueblo, figurative pottery, Virgil Ortiz