Pedro Alba "I learned from an early age to work hard to be able to provide for one's family, because I had to work when I was in primary school." "I come from a family of humble means from the beautiful state of Guanajuato. Dad was a driver for the public transport and mom stayed at home looking after my five sisters and me. I learned from an early age to work hard to be able to provide for one's family, because I had to work when I was in primary school. "With a lot of effort and hard work I managed to stay in school and graduate as a teacher. While working as a teacher, from 1979 to 1990, I supplemented my income by being a salesperson for a ceramics workshop. I developed my own client base, but at some point the workshop couldn't keep with their orders, which motivated me to start my own workshop. I opened it in 1979 and I specialize in talavera ceramics for décor and for service. "I've taken quite a few ceramic courses around the country, organized by Mexico's Ceramists' Society. My technique is 100% hand-crafted and I use mineral enamels and paints. I've kept the first vase I've ever made and my pieces are characterized by my own specific style. I enjoy developing new designs. Over the years my workshop has grown to such an extent that I can offer work to people in my community. I'm pleased of the working environment we have created – we really enjoy working with each other. "However, that has become my greatest challenge: to ensure there is always enough orders so that the artisans at the workshop will always have work, and that I may continue to provide my children with a good education. "In 1998 I went back to study and earned a degree in International Commerce. In 1998 and 2004 I received State Awards for my work, and from 2004 to 2007 I organized seminars, workshops and courses with the top ceramists of Mexico. "I have had the opportunity to exhibit my work through individual and collective exhibitions in several countries in Europe, United States, Central and South America. "I am happy about the opportunity to join Novica and share a part of each one of us through our hand crafted work."

	Customer Reviews
		Thank you Pedro! My bowls are beautiful! I ordered them for myself for Christmas, but decided I wanted to use them now. The glazing detail is amazing and the bowls are such an interesting shape. I have an inexpensive "Talavera" style dinner ware set (from a local department store) and have been buying beautiful serving dishes from Novica. So far, I have been happy to support three artisans from Mexico making AUTHENTIC Talavera ceramic wares. I like knowing who made my treasures. I will be watching for more pieces from Pedro to add to my collection. I am glad I had these bowls saved in my "Wish List". One never knows when Novica will offer a special savings event. It is good to be prepared. I was lucky to get the last set of these beautiful bowls. Judy D - Lima, OH - Judy, Lima, Ohio, USA Thank you Pedro! My "Marigold Mosaic" bowl arrived yesterday. It is absolutely gorgeous! I have some department store "Talavera" style dishes - but all of my serving pieces are from Novica - the "real deal" - and so much nicer and more colorful. I fell "in love" with the Talavera dishes and pottery in Mexico years ago, but couldn't buy any then. I really like buying them now from Novica. I like knowing who made them - and like the guarantee that the glazes are safe (back in the 70's and 80's - glazes used were not always safe). The Marigold Mosaic bowl is just the right size for serving two people. I knew we would get a lot of use out of it between now and Christmas so I put it in the cabinet right away - an early gift for me. My husband really likes these pieces, too. I just added another Pedro Alba serving plate to my Wish List. Hopefully one of these will still be available for a birthday gift for myself. We also have Pedro's beautiful "Daisy" bowls. I will be buying another set of those in the future, too. I need another for when my son comes to visit. I have purchased Talavera from three Novica artists now - Pedro's work is my favorite (for colors used and attention to detail). I am a former art teacher - I know this glazing technique takes a lot of time. I know buying these pieces through Novica is an exceptional deal. Judy D - Lima, OH - Judy, Lima, Ohio, USA I had ordered 5 of your platters and just recieved them today, I am so happy I found you and your beautiful work, I was so thrilled with your work I just ordered 3 more items from you today! - Katheryn, Long Island, NY, USA Thank you Pedro, My "Wilderness" plate arrived today (Happy Mothers' Day to me!) - a gorgeous work of art! I am putting it up on the wall so I can appreciate it every day. The colors are perfect for my kitchen. I will use it as a serving platter when we have guests. I was so happy to see more works from you become available. Soon I will be getting another stamp for my Passport as this is my fourth purchase from you. I will be watching for more items. I missed out on getting another bowl. Those went very quickly. I love all of the Talavera pottery, but your work is my favorite. All of my serving pieces are now from Novica (four different artisans). All exceptional work and a GREAT value. Judy D. Lima, OH - Judy, Lima, Ohio, USA Thank you Pedro for making more "Marigold Mosaic" bowls. I just received my second one today and it is just as beautiful as the first one I bought. I just added more treasures you make to my "Wish List". While my dishes are store bought (made to look like Mexican Talavera - cobalt blue on white ceramic), all of my serving pieces are from Novica. Most of the pieces were made by Pedro, my favorite Talavera artist. All pieces are stunning from all three Talavera style artisans from whom I have made purchases. I recommend all who read this get on Novica's email list so you know when special offers are made. I saved a lot on shipping for this piece. All purchases come in special wrapping paper, some of which I have used in art projects to share with art teachers (of course telling them about Novica!). I have quite a collection of miniature Mexican pottery from the bow decoration on my Mexico purchases. I think I will use two for a pair of earrings. What fun! Judy - Lima, Ohio - Judy, Lima, Ohio, USA The bowl I received was absolutely beautiful! The hand-painted ceramic was full of vibrant colors and I am extremely happy with my purchase. - Lindsay Chung