Mexico’s master: Renowned potter to teach in Green Valley

More than eight centuries ago the people of Mata Ortiz, in the northern province of Chihuahua, Mexico, became known for their handmade pottery using only elements, materials and minerals collected in the hills surrounding the village.

Using the same centuries-old techniques and traditions, today’s Mata Ortiz potters create an exceptional style of pottery that incorporates each artist’s creativity.

Green Valley residents now have the opportunity to learn the fine craft from distinguished Mata Ortiz potter Diego Valles.

Harry March, owner of Native Hands in Green Valley Village, has invited Valles to teach a weeklong workshop starting March 4.

Maximum attendance is 15, and students will have the opportunity to make their own pot.

Valles has a degree in electro-mechanical engineering from the Instituto Tecnologico Superior de Nuevo Casas Grandes in Chihuahua, and was among 42 students worldwide to be awarded a Peace Scholarship to study at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia.

Though pottery was a hobby, after graduating college Valles decided to devote himself full time to the craft of Mata Ortiz pottery. He has exhibited his work worldwide and has won numerous awards.

Valles’ second-place finish in the New Designs category in 2006, was said to coincide with his registering a trademark for one of his designs, the first ever for a Mata Ortiz potter.

In January, he won “Best in Show” at the Third Biennial Concordia Continental Competition at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn., a competition for “all expressions in clay” that included participants from Canada, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States.

Valles’ credentials say “although he considers himself to be a traditional potter, creating his pots in the way the has become traditional in Mata Ortiz, using local clays and creating his pigments from local minerals, Valles’ finished pots can only be considered innovative.”

“I think he’s a Renaissance man,” March said. “He’s a top mathematician, has won prestigious awards and has taken traditional Mata Ortiz pottery and moved it into the realm of modern art. We’re very lucky to have him here.”

Cost for the week-long workshop with Valles is $200 and includes all materials.

For further information and to register, call Harry March of Native Hands at 625-3997.

Contact Green Valley freelance reporter Ellen Sussman at ellen2414@cox.net.