Bird still bank c. 20th century

This little earthenware bird, made by Candelaria Montero, looks as if it was shaped with love. I can imagine Montero’s hands coaxing the clay to form its plump, round body. The surface is earthy, warm reddish-brown, punctuated with what look like abstract dashes of black paint. Like random brushstrokes that follow the form. I wonder what Montero was thinking as she applied them? Were they just playing? Or were they trying to replicate nature? The bird’s beak has a hint of orange, like a little beacon. The mouth is slightly open, as if calling to the sky. This is someone who understands form, I’m sure Montero knew all about negative space and how it works, it makes me think of the work of Joan Miró. Artists look and respond to other artist’s work.