Have you seen the work of Ricardo Delgado?  Ricardo's sgraffito style pottery is fast becoming the rage among collectors.  Well, maybe not all that fast.  Ricardo is absolutely meticulous in his work.  It's a slow process that just can't be hurried.  Under the tutelage of his famous brother in law, Manuel (Manolo) Rodriguez, you can be sure the work is stunningly precise.

Although Manolo's influence in Ricardo's career is evident, Manolo does not do sgraffito work.  Walter Parks, in his book The Miracle of Mata Ortiz, suggests that Ricardo may have first learned the art from Manolo's older brother, the accomplished Oscar Rodriguez, "who experimented with it years ago." 

Though I have not met Ricardo, I was fortunate to find one of his ollas during a buying trip to Mata Ortiz in February.  After describing the quality I was looking for, two separate gallery owners told me I must look for a Ricardo Delgado, after apologizing for not having one to sell me.  Later, I was lucky enough to find one; and when I did, I could instantly see why his work was being recommended.  The clarity of his etchings was dramatic.   His themes were very pleasing, and the overall quality magnificent.

My love affair was cut very short as the piece sold very quickly.   I would, however, like to show you the photos:

Ricardo Delgado Olla pic #1

Ricardo Delgado olla pic #2

Ricardo Delgado olla pic #3

Ricardo Delgado olla pic #4

Ricardo Delgado olla pic #5

Ricardo Delgado olla pic #6

Ricardo Delgado olla pic #7

Ricardo Delgado olla pic #8