Virgil Ortiz Water Cuff Bracelet from the Rain Collection [SOLD]

This silver cuff bracelet is a collaborative work by Cochiti artist Virgil Ortiz and Muscogee (Creek) / Seminole artist Kenneth Johnson. Their collaborative jewelry line, called the Rain Collection, is comprised of unisex pieces featuring symbolic representations of the natural elements Ortiz uses in his pottery creations.

This cast silver cuff is titled “Water”. Two pairs of lines travel along the cuff, from end to end, near its edges. A wavy line with a textured interior winds between the two pairs of lines, also crossing the piece from end to end. It is stylish, elegant, and beautiful, which is exactly what we’d expect of a collaboration between these two talented artists.

The bracelet weighs 6.3 oz. Its interior is stamped Virgil Ortiz, Cochiti Pueblo, 925, and marked with Virgil’s hallmark. An L-shaped mark also appears.

Cochiti Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz (1969-) is probably one of the most versatile of all pueblo artists. He makes traditional figurative pottery, experimental figurative pottery, traditional pottery vessels, jewelry, and also works in film and fashion. Collectors are fortunate that Virgil has such a fertile mind and has chosen to express his talent by first making pottery. He started making pottery at age 6 and still occasionally finds time to do more, but his life of producing designer clothing, videos, photographs, and making jewelry leave very little time to pursue his earlier career of pottery production.

Kenneth Johnson is a Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole jewelry designer who lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to his website:

“Johnson's signature style of contemporary jewelry incorporates Southeastern motifs and the melder of old and new techniques. His elaborate and ornate gorgets, multi-tiered crescent shaped necklaces, with ancient ‘Moundbuilder’ symbols and 19th century Seminole patchwork designs overlaid with coins illustrate his propensity for complexity and detail.”

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Virgil Ortiz Water Cuff Bracelet from the Rain Collection is from a private Santa Fe collection

Recommended Reading: Virgil Ortiz: reVOlution by Charles S. King and Virgil Ortiz (Artist)

TAGS: traditional pottery vessels, jewelry, Seferina Ortiz, Cochiti Pueblo, figurative pottery, Virgil Ortiz, Cochiti Pueblo Artist