Close Window

Raul Fuenzalida

"I was born in Valparaíso, Chile. From the time I was in primary school, I liked art very much so I took painting classes from a teacher who had won the Premio Nacional de Pintura in Chile. I graduated from the Universidad Católica de Valparaíso with a degree in architecture and then went on to study fine art. I won a regional award for my murals.

"In 1979, I moved to Mexico. I opened a jewelry workshop where my designs were at the vanguard in my field. I participated in a number of statewide events. Destiny and my move to Mexico led to my good fortune in meeting Patricia, my wife. I moved to her hometown and began to design for artisan workshops. Eventually I had created a line of decorative items and opened my own workshop with the help of my wife and, today with the help of our children. Together, we design pieces that are distinct from those you see elsewhere.

"Here in Mexico, I've had the opportunity to participate in several national events. I received the prize for design development and innovation in Mexican handicrafts, and my creations appear in collections in a number of countries.

"My process begins with clay. Some designs are cast in molds while others are shaped on the potter's wheel. I let them dry, then refine the details and fire them in a wood-fueled kiln. Once they cool, we select them and apply a base coat of color. Then we paint them by hand, using acrylics as well as natural oxides. Finally, we give each piece an antique effect with a liquid based on tar. A coat of semi matte varnish protects my designs. In some cases, I complement my ceramics with wrought iron or with natural materials, all done in my own workshop.

"I'm currently working on a project with the government of Zacatecas to establish 13 artisan workshops in the arid desert zone. Due to its location and climate, there aren't many opportunities for the people who live there. I'm involved with everything from the implementation to the training, so that artisans can learn new techniques and designs, and provide their families with a better life.

"I've been fortunate to learn and share new and different design techniques here in Mexico where I also share a life of love and new projects with my family."