Joseph Cerno
Grand Acoma
Olla
10" H
x 13 1/2" D
Born in 1972, Joseph Cerno
Jr. is the son of Barbara and Joe Cerno, Sr. of Acoma Pueblo.
Joseph learned the art of pottery making from his grandmother,
Santana Cimmeron Cerno, and his father, Joseph Cerno, Sr. Joseph
is an outstanding potter and painter of pottery as well.
This particular piece has
a striking bulbous shape at the shoulder and an extremely commanding
presence. At nearly fourteen inches in diameter, it becomes the
focal point of any grouping.
Joseph Jr. has followed in
his parents' footsteps who have had a long and illustrious career:
From an early age, Joseph
Cerno Sr. 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 Sr. was 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.
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.
