Octavio Andrew

Mata Ortiz
Bird element, fish and geometric design in matte black on a polished black flying saucer jar

Octavio Andrew has been creating beautiful black on black seed pots, flying saucer jars and spherical jars for more than two decades. He was taught the basics of how to make pottery the traditional way by Reynaldo Quezada, youngest brother of Juan Quezada.

After spending most of 2 decades figuring out how to make pottery the traditional way on his own, Juan Quezada is largely credited with the revival of pottery in the village of Mata Ortiz. Whether he actually began the revival on his own or not, a large proportion of the potters in Mata Ortiz owe everything they know about the craft to Juan as he basically taught everyone in the village who was interested. Over time his painted designs and decorating style formed the core of the "Quezada School" with it's flowing lines and use of empty space as part of the design. Contrasted with that is the "Porvenir School" where design covers almost every square centimeter of the surface with something. Octavio uses elements from both schools in his works.

Octavio's designs often feature geometric patterns, star shapes and parrots, among others. Many of his designs are similar to those found among the pot sherds of nearby Paquimé. Octavio often collaborates with his wife, Antonia Andrew, an accomplished potter in her own right.

100 West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 986-1234 - www.andreafisherpottery.com - All Rights Reserved