Joseph Cerno
Mudhead Vase
8 1/4"
H x 9" D
Being a big mudhead fan, I
knew this piece was coming with me as soon as I saw it. Not only
is the motif a favorite, but it's by one of the most accomplished
artists in all of the Acoma pueblo.
Incidentally, its not often
that kachina themes will appear on pottery outside of the Hopi
pueblo, since many of the Rio Grande pueblos frown on the use
of kachina elements in their art. Always pushing the envelope,
Joseph depicts a mischievous mudhead peeking through!
This is a rare and unique
piece.
From an early age, Joseph
Cerno showed an interest in the designs and shapes of old Acoma
pottery. He studied photographs in books and magazines and has
accumulated an extensive reference library.
Joseph is essentially a self-taught
artist who has spent many hours of trial-and-error in learning
how to properly prepare the clay, the natural paints, and the
many skills involved with traditional firing.
Joseph and his wife, Barbara,
are both widely recognized for their ability to create pottery
that reflects the traditional aesthetics of their ancestors.
They have demonstrated their talents at the Heard Museum in Phoenix,
the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup and at Indian Market
in Santa Fe.
We are proud to present the
work of this talented, award-winning couple. They have won nearly
every award possible. Combined, these two artists need pages
to list all of their awards, exhibitions, and inclusions in significant
private and museum collections. Acquiring a pot by these extremely
talented artists is a milestone of achievement for any collector.
Their ollas range up to $10,000 each and beyond.
According to author Gregory
Schaaf, Barbara & Joseph Cerno "are a husband and wife
pottery making team that has created some of the largest and
finest traditional polychrome ollas in the Pueblo world. They
use natural clay, mineral and vegetal paints and fire their pottery
outdoors. They are well-recognized masters, honored as top award
winners." Schaaf, Southern Pueblo Pottery.
