As a Peruvian ceramic artist deeply rooted in the traditions of the Vicús and Tallán cultures, my work honors both heritage and sustainability.
Born in Chulucanas in Northern Peru, I was taught at an early age to mold and sculpt clay using only my bare hands and feet, ovoid rocks, and wooden paddles. This process is known as the historically significant “Rock and Paddle” technique, and I pride myself in being one of the few master craftsmen in the world still practicing this technique
My pieces incorporate a smoothness and texture to them, a style that characterizes my work that highlights the duality of life- the smooth aspects of the piece representing the positive aspects and the texture representing the negative or challenging aspects of life.
Over forty years, I have dedicated myself to preserving the ancient “Rock and Paddle” technique, a practice that not only connects me to my ancestors but also reflects a profound respect for the earth. My meditative approach to art allows the natural materials to guide the shape and form of each piece, embodying the legacy of reverence for the land passed down through generations.
“Reverence of the land, our earth, was handed down to me through my grandparents, parents, and teachers. Their message to me was to respect the earth, to share my art, and all that I have learned in life.”