Trader's Brunch and Our First Pottery Purchases!!

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

We awoke early today, as is the custom in the Casas Grandes area. Early to bed, Early to rise.. as in when the sun comes up, everyone seems to get up. This interestingly enough, included me! Who knew that I could be a morning person! Wave a little pottery in front of me, and I just can't stay asleep!

Today, Emi and Spencer hosted the Trader's Brunch for all the traders and friends of Mata Ortiz that had not yet departed for home. It was held in the courtyard of Casa del Nopal, so we had a front row seat on all the action.
The brunch started at 9am, but we were able to help Emi and Spencer set up a bit beforehand. Our favorite errand of the morning was going to the Tortilleria down the street to purchase 2 kilos of tortillas. The Tortilleria was really cool... they make all the tortilla dough by hand, but then have this great machine that rolls everything out and onto a conveyor belt. Quite a sight, and much more exciting than picking up a pack at your local supermarket.

At the brunch we ran into Rebecca Russell and her husband Frederick. They live in Santa Barbara, California... just a short drive from home! I told you that it is a small world, and that we are all connected! They are such wonderful people and great spirits. it was fun getting to know them a little bit.

We also met Maria Pinedo, who is from San Francisco. Another wonderful person that we will end up spending a lot more time visiting.. luckily!! Maria is such a warm and gentle person. We are so happy to say that we became friends during our trip, and look forward to many years of friendship ahead!

Adalberto was there again this morning, and we had a nice time talking to him again as well. He ended up inviting us to the museum at the ruins of Paquime. They was an exhibition of his art work there at the same time. And he also very graciously invited us to dinner that day at his house... he and Maria were cooking! Yummm... I can't wait!

Another couple that we found very interesting were Ron and Sue Bridgemon from Tucson, Arizona. They lead tour groups to Mata Ortiz and to the Copper Canyon. They also have a second home in Mata ortiz, and are really familiar with the area and the artists. We had fun, and learned a lot from them.

Another thing that we had fun helping to set up for in the morning was Emi's Chair Installation. The chair exhibit is in memory of all the local grandmothers who have died. Emi collects old chairs and trasteros or china cabinets. The locals know of this, and will bring them to her door. She refurbishes them, and paints them. She painted them in bright colors for this exhibition, and made the pillows herself. (There actually used to be more pillows, but since first making them has sold quite a few). It was quite touching when Spencer read the tribute that Emi had written to all of the grandmothers of Casas Grandes.

During the brunch we also acquired our first two Mata Ortiz Pots!!!!! These pots were made by Lourdes Nunez Corral and Jesus Nunez. They are quite beautiful and well made. Jesus Nunez was actually trained in pottery by the famous Nicolas Quezada, one of Juan Quezada's younger brothers. They both are two side symmetrical designs along the traditional style.

Both of these pots can also be viewed (and purchased) on our website: www.desilvaimports.com

Next we were off with Spencer MacCallum for a tour of two more of their histocial restored adobe homes... La Casa Roja and La Casa Azul. First stop... La Casa Roja... but it is getting late, people want to sleep.. so I will leave that adventure for the next installment...