|
|
Guadalupe García Rios Extraordinarily Unique Hi-Fired Ceramics Guadalupe García Rios is 44 years old and has been making pottery for over 24 of those years. Her specialty is ceramic alta temperature (high temperature/high-fire ceramics). Fired at over 1250 degrees centigrade and lead-free, Guadalupe's designs and creativity are unparalleled.
She was taught her craft by her ex-husband's family (Manuel Morales) - Manuel has achieved much acclaim for his work over the years. On her own for the last four years, Guadalupe is rapidly gaining recognition as a high quality producer of ceramics and is much sought after. Guadalupe's designs are inspired in part by pre-Hispanic designs but also from the countryside and nature. The high volcanic peaks, lakes, wildlife and other environmental elements also figure prominently in her expressions of this region. She feels as she creates each piece, she is giving back to the earth that makes her art possible. She lives in the
village of Tzintzuntzan near Lake Pátzcuaro, one of many Michoacán
towns sustaining a living tradition: alfarería (pottery
making). Clay is abundant in the hills and many P'urhépecha dedicate
their lives to creating both utilitarian and artistic pottery. Tzintzuntzan's
traditional glaze colors and designs are unmistakable although Guadalupe
has gone beyond tradition and found a niche of her own in the world of
ceramics. Her work is unique and with one glance you can tell a piece
was made by her.
Tzintzuntzan, which means the place of hummingbirds, is the ancient capital of the Tarascan Empire. This region has for many centuries been the center of many types of ceramic artesenias thanks to the vision of a priest turned prosecutor, Don Vasco de Quiroga, who removed from power Nuno de Guzman, the second in command of Cortez's army who was particularly harsh toward the indigenous population. Quiroga educated the people of the eight villages around the lake while encouraging each area to focus on ceramic artesenias. As a result, the Pátzcuaro region is well-known for the diverse quality and uniqueness of its pottery using techniques range from purely pre-Colombian to colonial Spanish methods and ranging from functional cookware to complex gallery. Guadalupe's work is the quintessential museum-quality work to emerge from this region. Guadalupe creates her lead-free, high-fire glazed ceramics and decorates with skillfully designed adaptations of ancient P'urhépecha symbols. Her extremely complex three-dimensional work is crafted on a non-electric wheel and fired in a gas kiln. Her more modern, but extremely time-consuming approach differs markedly from the old-style approach of other ceramicists. Contact information: Or contact Marianne Carlson at 01152 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com
|
