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Rigoberto Mateos

"I've been in contact with handcrafts from a very young age, and I've held different responsibilities that come with helping in the family workshop. Whether in school, university, or in my professional career, I've always kept in touch in one way or another with handcrafts. In the end, they won over everything else! I am certain that arts and crafts are the most important sources of work and tradition in my village, in the state of Jalisco.

"I was born July 6, 1982, heir to my parents' family ceramic legacy. My father, Rigoberto Mateos Ortega is renowned for improving reeding techniques on black ceramic. My mother, Gloria Campechano Silva, comes from a family of ceramists that specialize in red ceramics.

"The type of reeding, or sketching, over black ceramic that my father developed is known as 'Arizona.' The main theme is a geometric abstract interpretation of natural landscapes and traditional arts from the northern states of Mexico, as well as local Jalisco art.

"My desire is to continue exploring the path set out by my father and honing my skills and techniques, for in the world of ceramic arts, one must always be up to date. I want to offer innovative products that are attractive and suited to today's lifestyles. Thanks to my parents' help, their experience and my personal curiosity, I am knowledgeable of the different techniques and processes required in the making of Jalisco's black ceramic arts.

"After selecting the different types of clay we mold two pieces that are to be joined together. Once dry, we polish them with river stones, bathe them with red liquid clay, then polish the pieces again. We draw out the desired composition with reeding techniques. After baking we take the pieces out and expose them to the fire, resulting in a unique black tone thanks to a smoking process of eucalyptus leaves. It is a natural technique that requires no paint or enamel."