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Michael’s
present work began developing five or six years ago.
Remembering
the beautiful pot shards he had picked up as a boy, and wishing to learn
about his ancient roots, which he knew went back to New Mexico’s Chaco
Canyon (the Anasazi Culture), he began collecting archeological catalogues
of pottery forms.
Through
extensive study, trial and error, and even consultation with
archaeologists, he developed his pottery into remarkably close
reproductions of Chacoan and Mesa Verde pottery.
Recently,
his studies have expanded to the Mimbres and ancient Mexican People, where
human and animal effigies are common. Michael has added his own
contemporary designs to these ancient themes, to develop his own unique
art form.
A
single effigy may be based on a Toltec theme, painted with Chacoan
designs, and put together in contemporary form.
Various
feature articles have been written about Michael and his unique style of
pottery making. These include the Gallup Independent newspaper. Native
People Magazine, and the Southwest Art Magazine.
Michael
has received many awards in recognition of his work. Some of the more
significant awards include a first place at the 1994 New Mexico State
Fair, First, Second and Third Place at the 1995 Gallup Ceremonial, and a
First Place at the 1996 Gallup Ceremonial.
Michael’s
pottery has been displayed at the Ancient Traditions Galleries in
Minneapolis, The Wheelwright and Gentle Spirit Galleries in Santa Fe, the
Maxwell Museum in Albuquerque, and is featured at the Farnsworth Gallery
Taos, in Taos, New Mexico.
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