Vessel c. early 20th century

This elegant, black-on-black vessel was made by Maria Martinez, a Native American potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo. I can just imagine her hands shaping the clay, smoothing its surface, and then patiently painting the intricate designs that seem to emerge from the darkness. What was she thinking as she made it? Pottery is so much about touch, and these designs feel like a kind of visual language. I love the way the patterns wrap around the curved surface, creating a sense of movement and rhythm. You get a feeling for the artist’s physical gestures, and the intention to create something beautiful and useful. The burnished surface gives the pot a subtle sheen, almost like a mirror reflecting light. And the contrast between the matte black designs and the polished black background is so striking. It’s a perfect example of how a simple material like clay can be transformed into a work of art. It reminds me of other artists like Lucie Rie, who also explored the possibilities of clay in her own way.