Lois Gutierrez de la Cruz works with her husband Derek de la Cruz in producing the most exquisite polychrome pottery. Lois is a daughter of Petra Gutierrez and sister to Gloria Goldenrod Garcia, Thelma Talachy, Lupita Gutierrez, and Minnie Vigil, all of whom are outstanding potters as well. Lois and Derek started working together in 1970.

Lois and Derek collect different colors of clay and minerals from nature which provides them with a wide-ranging palette for their painted designs. Precision in application of the painted design is a hallmark of this couple. Their painted designs are impeccable.

In this dish, Lois and Derek have painted a most delicate hummingbird getting nectar from a flower. Surrounding this pictorial design is a circle upon which rests rain clouds in triplicate form. The outer design features strong multi-colored triangles which visually direct the viewers’ attention to the center design. The dish is absolutely beautiful and in original excellent condition. It is signed on versoLois-Derek.

Provenance: ex. coll. Albuquerque family.

Recommended Reading: There is a short biographical write-up about this couple in Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Greg Schaaf. CIAC Press, Santa Fe. 2000.