Potter Spotlight: Goyin Silveira
Goyin Silveira is the first potter to be profiled by the Collector’s Society. Goyin makes wonderful ollas, yet his work is just now becoming appreciated by collectors. He has lived in Mata Ortiz his entire life and has been actively making ollas for nine years. Both of his parents, Gloria Hernandez and Goyo Silveira are well-known potters who are featured in all the books. Goyin enjoys making big ollas covered with fantastic designs or animals of every kind and description. He enjoys using white clay.
His beautiful wife, Graciela has been painting ollas for four years. She is from nearby San Diego. They have been married for six years and have one terrific daughter, Leslie. Leslie is ready to go into kindergarten and has already made her first ollas. She is very impressive as she writes letters and words in both English and Spanish! Goyin has one brother and two sisters who also make ollas.
Goyin forms all the ollas himself and he and Graciela each paint their own. His least favorite part of making ollas is the sanding. His favorite is the painting.
Goyin and Graciela live just off the main road into town. Turn left on the road that leads to the rodeo grounds and baseball field and you will see his house on the left. If you get to Jorge Quintana’s store you have gone too far. He has just put up a big sign and they welcome new friends into their home to view their work.
Goyin provided one of his unique designs to serve as the logo for The Mata Ortiz Collector’s Society. We thank him for that and are pleased to highlight him in our first artist profile. We are sure his work will be a wonderful addition to any collection.