Dorothy Torivio Floral Op Art Design Acoma Pueblo Pottery Jar [SOLD]

Dorothy Torivio certainly developed her own style and sense of design when it comes to manifesting wonderful Acoma pottery.  This jar is no exception to the precision, perfection, and optical illusions she was known for; however, it is smaller than some of the other pieces Adobe Gallery has had the pleasure of working with over the years.  

Arguably, creating a jar of this caliber when it comes to visual interest would become increasingly arduous as the vessel decreases in size.  For the patterns used— repeating floral motifs laid atop alternating positive and negative sections— has the effect of quite organic movement as one's gaze moves up and down the jar. Like a toroidal field, this piece appears to be both natural and spectacular. 

Two colors were used— cream and black, and the entirety of the piece has been kept matte.  Furthermore, the artist managed to create impressively thin walls, even for an Acoma piece where thin is commonplace.  The result is a vessel that stands in perfection and is nothing short of awe-inspiring. 

Acoma Pueblo artist Dorothy Torivio (1946 - 2011) was respected as one of the finest Southwest Indian potters. She was a top award winner. She was noted for her traditional pottery with eye dazzler designs based on the repetition of singular design elements in both positive and negative patterns.

Torivio was among the first to use and then refine the "op-art" style in her Acoma pottery. She took specific Acoma patterns and then repeated them on a vessel, ranging the size from small to large and then small again, following the vessel's shape. The shape of the jar is one that Torivio created to emphasize her painted designs.

Condition: this Dorothy Torivio jar is in original condition

Provenance: this Dorothy Torivio Floral Op Art Design Acoma Pueblo Pottery Jar came from the personal collection of a family who reside in New Mexico. 

Recommended Reading: ART OF CLAY Timeless Pottery of the Southwest by Lee M. Cohen, former owner of Gallery 10

Reference: Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

Relative Links: Acoma Pueblo, Lolita Concho; Juanita Keene; Sandra M. Victorino, Contemporary Pottery, Dorothy Torivio