Work in progress
This is my most recent and an ongoing project. A few years ago I started researching and making my own clay from the land that I inherited from my ancestors inspired by it’s ancient history and natural power. Nestled in a secluded and partially forgotten pristine landscape in a South Eastern Region of Spain not far from the mediterranean ocean is hidden a vast history of humanity and ceramics dating back to prehistoric times. A group of archeologist have discovered that in this land is buried probably the most important Necroplis from the Iberians dating back from 6 BC. One can find an abundance of ceramic pieces still scattered today all over the ground. Prior to the Iberians was Prehistory and the Bronze Age, after that came the Phonicians, Romans, Medieval and from the 17th century until the early 19th during all of these eras this area was rich with potters, this activity has now been lost. Sometime after the Spanish Civil War because of poverty and the winds of change it all completely died out.
Through this research I have discovered many fundamental styles and techniques that hold numerous symbols through illustrations and even the use of natural pigments that tell us stories of these past civilizations. We can interpret how they lived and what was principal to them through the aesthetical choices they made and the importance they put on particular details. The pottery was mostly functional although we know that art was created additionally because of the discovery of sculptures and caves paintings that were used for adoration and communication representing the focus of their spiritual beliefs.
My intention is to place and highlight the value of this history and their use of nature not only because it personally means something to me but because it is important to preserve our distinctive identities and cultures. Not only does it give us a chance to learn and better our planet but it keeps us tied to this earth in a more respectful and sustainable exisitence as we progress into the future. Many rural areas are facing depopulation and this is an unbalanced weight when contrasted to the overpopulated cities, as well as many other problems that come along with this, such as poverty, drought, agricultural and natural disasters, and most importantly refelected in this project is the loss of cultural traditions and craftsmanship.
By creating contemporary ceramic objects based on these reasons there is a way to connect past developments with present concerns and sustain many important fundamental and natural effects in evolution.
My objects are handmade from wild clay and then pitfired with only organic materials. I etch words, drawings and thoughts that are present in my everyday life with “graffiti” in search of my own dialogue and language. Photography is the tool I have used throughout my career and it still very present in this project by photographing this landscape and found details not only as documents but also reflecting the reality of abandonment and the peaceful silent strength that I find within this magnificant nature.
This work is directly tied and therefore symbolic to earth, air, fire and water the essential elements to life being human or nature.
“I call it wild” because it is the first thing that comes to my mind to encompass the inner call from the wild I have received, a natural and obvious path I have taken in my artist career.
