Quezada, José

José Quezada is the eldest son of Nicolas Quezada. José learned the traditional art from his father and, as one of the premier potters of the Mata Ortiz second generation, he has, in many ways, surpassed his father’s achievements. To some folks, José is the second Juan Quezada Sr. In the early 1990s he was working with trader Steve Rose to develop a signature style. His signature bright red and black designs on white clay jars earned three times as much money after as before.

José started making pottery at the age of nine, working alongside his mother and father. Today, he works alongside his wife, Marcela Herrera de Quezada. He builds the pots, she does the sanding and polishing, then he paints and fires them.

José is known for making beautiful large pots decorated with bold colors in the flowing Quezada style. His largest pots have been up to 18 inches high.