Rodriguez, Manuel

Born in 1972, Manuel Manolo Rodriguez grew up in Mata Ortiz, just around the block way from Juan Quezada Sr.‘s house. He played Little League baseball with Juan Quezada, Jr. He says he learned the basics of pottery making from Juan Sr. but learned the finer points from Juan Jr.

Early in his career, Manuel became well-known for his Paquimé Revival animal and human figures. Then he moved to making medium-size storage jars and decorating them with complex geometric Escher-like designs that incorporate birds, fish and reptiles.

Many younger potters in Mata Ortiz learned their craft from Manuel.