Juan Boza Gutierrez
Indigenous / Contemporary Sculptor
Juan Boza has the most complete upbringing of the third
generation artisans as his style is an equal blend of indigenous and
contemporary technique. Juan's mother Casta is the matriarch of the
Gutierrez family. Juan's uncle Helio has had a large influence on Juan's
work. Not as much as a direct teacher but a creative influence who
continued to persuade the development of unique expressions.
Juan's godfather, Don Gregorio, has had an equal influence on Juan's
development as Juan has been fascinated by the traditional work of his
godfather and the cultural elements the work represents. Once again Juan
didn't study directly under Gregorio but built a style around the concepts
developed by the two master artisans who preceded him.
The blending of the two styles and trusting his instincts have placed Juan as
one of the most creative artisans of his community. Not formally trained
as others Juan is a self taught artist blending elements of culture and
creativity.
In 2001 Juan made his first trip to the US as at 20 years old. The first artist
to develop with the artist exchange programs the visiting to the US and
participation in events, demonstrations and workshop developed Juan's creative
style further. Juan received many awards from Miami, to DC, to New York
City.
Many innovations in technique have been born from Juan's testing and developing
new concepts. Sculptural techniques blending cultural and modern
concepts, burnished agua techniques as well as after firing textures are all
examples of Juan's contributions.
Collectors of Juan's work are drawn to creativity and the blending of cultural and modern concepts. Weather comparing Juan's work to others in his family or beyond to other pueblo pottery, there isn't anything else just like a Juan Boza original.
