Course Description
The village of Mata Ortiz sits in a river valley along a tributary of the Casas Grandes River in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The people of Mata Ortiz today know all of these stories well, but to the outside world, Mata Ortiz is well known as a “village of potters.” Largely because of its highly regarded pottery, Mata Ortiz is today quite distinct from its past, a place of hope, creativity, individuality, and dogged determinism that embodies the best of the human spirit.
This course will explore the Mata Ortiz Pottery making process. From the history, teachings, techniques, materials, tools, and experiments, you will emerge in the Mata Ortiz culture and pottery making process. Class discussions will include:
-
History and how the art of Mata Ortiz has evolved
-
Materials and tools – gathering and experimentation
-
Building a pot
-
The designs – hand painting techniques
-
Making it permanent – the baking process
Porfirio Mora represents the pottery tradition of Mata Ortiz, a small village in Chihuahua, Mexico, known for its talented potters. Mata Ortiz pottery is inspired by the ancient Paquimé culture, which shares many similarities with southwestern Pueblo cultures. Master potter Porfirio learned how to prepare the clay and the pigments, along with other basic techniques, from a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
This course is limited to 20 participants.
Course Format
Classes will be held in English & Spanish. The instructor will facilitate in Spanish with live English translators present. Translation services are provided by Southwest Folk Alliance.
Registered community members will meet with Master Potter Porfirio "Pilo" Mora for four in-person sessions on the following Fridays from 9 to 11 AM: March 18, 25, April 1 and 8.