Manuel Rodriguez

Mata Ortiz

Manuel Manolo Rodriguez is among the most innovative of the Mata Ortiz second generation potters. He began potting when he was in his teens. He watched Juan Quezada but really learned from working with Juan Quezada Jr. Since then he has taught many other potters and has worked directly with some of the best of the first generation of Mata Ortiz potters.

Early in his career, Manolo was making animal and human Paquimé figures. Then he moved to making medium-size ollas and decorating them with Escher-like patterns that also incorporate birds, fish and reptiles growing out of the complex geometric designs.