Hand-Painted Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers (Pair), "Zacatlan Flowers"

Update (July, 2019)

“I belong to the sixth generation of my family that is dedicated to the preservation of the plumeado ceramic technique. We employ more than 20 people, including women and men who assist us in different areas. We try to be conscious about sharing and transmitting to our artisans the value of preserving this beautiful tradition that is made in various regions of Puebla. We have continued changing with the preferences of our market, remaining avant-garde while also conserving the original technique.

“I dare say, my family has spent about 100 years dedicated to ceramic. When NOVICA arrived, it seemed to us an excellent way to showcase and export our work at the worldwide level with the best efficiency possible, for the good of our clients. We offer them a quality guarantee, and we promise that the piece will arrive in good condition.

“One of the most difficult challenges was adapting ourselves to the quality requirements. We have become more strict with ourselves and we have perfected our process even more. We have not participated in expositions or competitions, but the first time that we do we will win first place. We are focused on creating useful pieces for our clients.

“We continue innovating techniques. We have generated new pieces with new patterns, preserving the decorations that we love so much. We are very thankful for NOVICA. We have found a path to preserve our familial tradition through the popular market. Thank you.”

Original Artisan Story

"I was 15 years old when I started my own workshop, thanks to my father's sage advice. He taught me everything there is to know about this craft, for he comes from a family of ceramists. I was a little boy when I started following dad around his workshop, getting familiar with everything in it, and learning the processes - from kneading the clay, to decorate the pieces and pack them.

"Staying focused on my dream proved to be a challenge. I had to learn how to split my time between learning my craft and being a responsible student. While my friends had fun or simply rested, I was always working.

"Little by little I learned the techniques and honed my skills under my family's watchful eye and enthusiasm. From dad I learned about dedication and responsibility to my work, and from mom I learned about perseverance, discipline and saving. From my dearest aunt Lupe I learned about the love with which one must craft each single piece, and about being consistent with everything I undertake.

"I love the folklore in each piece as well as working with the materials. We strive towards up keeping tradition and the high quality of our work. We only use clay from the state of Puebla and lead free enamels which are tested to ensure our products are safe.

"One must have an in depth knowledge of the techniques and the processes – they require control and discipline. All the preparation is done and supervised at the workshop. We're not only concerned with maintaining our high quality but also with preserving an enthusiastic and agreeable working environment. The way we work differs from other traditional ceramics workshops in Puebla, and I think that makes a difference.

"It was difficult at first showing my work and getting customers to trust me, but with the passing of time and the learned experiences I started earning their trust and recognition. I have learned from my mistakes and now I have the opportunity to let my imagination run wild, preserve the family tradition, and transcend in some way.

"It's exciting when people admire our work, and when they take one of our signed pieces I fantasize about what kind of destiny it will have. I imagine that maybe 100 years will pass and some day someone will find one of my signed pieces and people will learn my name.

"This is what motivates me to continue forward, regardless of the fact that all you hear in this line of work is how artisans are finding it difficult to stay afloat and believe we have no future. I've made up my mind to continue being enthusiastic, believe in my ability to ensure my own future, bet on innovation, and always keep in mind there's a whole world to be conquered."