✦ Angélica María Romero is a Colombian living in Valencia, Spain crafting a new career with her passion for pottery. Be inspired by how she is advocating for an artisanal craft in our age of technology!
When you hold a piece of pottery in your hands, you are holding something much more than just a lump of clay baked in a kiln. In our age of digital revolution, are we gradually losing the art of artisanal crafts? Angélica María Romero is someone who has been mesmerised by the beauty of the art of pottery, and is dedicated to studying the craft and making the art sustainable and available to people.
Find out how she discovered her passion and went from a career in international relations to pottery.
How did your love affair with pottery begin?
My introduction to pottery was serendipitous. While exploring Andean music and travelling through the Colombian Amazon, I developed an interest in clay flutes. A friend invited me to a clay flute workshop, and it was there that I fell in love with pottery. The connection was immediate and profound. I began studying under a master potter in Colombia, then continued my education at the National School of Ceramics in Mexico, taking free courses and working on my brand. Throughout this time, I continued freelancing in international cooperation, balancing both careers until ceramics gradually took precedence.
The turning point really came when I noticed I was thinking more and more about pottery, and every moment that I was not in the workshop working on clay made me really miss it. When you are crafting pottery, time flows differently. It is a pleasure and joy unlike anything I had ever known. Soon I found it impossible to focus on anything else except being in the workshop. I started to buy materials, my very first kiln etc. And I seriously thought about how I could make a living from this. I did some coworking when I was in Bogotá and then I set up a small workshop in my house. Everything in my life revolved around pottery since then. As there were no professional studies in ceramics in Colombia, I decided to go to Spain to get a degree and experience. Spain is well-known for its ceramics, and the school I go to in Manises is one of the oldest and most renowned schools in this art.
What fascinates you about pottery?
Pottery has a rich history, dating back to the dawn of human civilisation. It transitioned us from hunter-gatherers to settled farmers, providing essential tools for daily life such as cooking and eating hot food. Pottery is not just a craft; it's a functional and spiritual art form that has been integral to human life for over 10,000 years. You see it everywhere in the tiles on our floors, the fittings in our bathrooms, our crockery in the kitchen, and ceramic material is used even in dental implants, hip replacements etc. Apart from the practical side, it also holds a special place in various rituals, from funerals to healing ceremonies, underscoring its deep connection to the human experience.
What I love most about pottery is its infinite potential. It is a hygienic, malleable material that can be found anywhere on Earth. Working with clay connects me to the elements—earth, water, wind, and fire. I know of no other art form that combines all the elements so beautifully. This art form allows me to meditate, create from inner visions, and understand my place in the world. Pottery is not just about creating objects; it's about transforming the raw material into something meaningful.
Pottery is a reflection of the artist's inner and outer life. It is a tangible medium for expressing emotions, situations, and visions. Unlike other art forms, pottery reminds us of our connection to the earth and our capacity for change. The transformation of clay through fire is a metaphor for the human experience, symbolising growth, maturity, and the alchemy of the soul.
Check out Angélica's art works!
What is the place of handmade crafts in our world of digital revolution?
In today’s world, technology and AI have a significant role in pottery. AI helps optimise processes, and 3D printing, driven by design programmes, aids in creating prototypes. Factories employ robots for large-scale production, ensuring safety and efficiency. An example is the production of toilet bowls which are mostly made by robots. These are very large pieces that would be difficult for human hands to manage and the fact that we have robots to automate the manufacturing means workers do not get hurt. I myself use AI to help create rapid prototypes and designs, which are invaluable for selling pottery products and developing new ideas.
However, the world is at risk of losing artisanal crafts. Techniques disappear due to a lack of generational replacement, insufficient support for knowledge preservation, and limited job opportunities for artisans. To preserve these crafts, we must promote intercultural and intergenerational dialogues and support government initiatives for research, training, and entrepreneurship. As communities, we need to live dignified lives in harmony with nature.
More people are beginning to appreciate the value of crafts like pottery. It's not about making luxury products; it's about fair pricing and accessibility for everyone. Pottery, with its long lifespan, offers a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, combating pollution and promoting environmental conservation. Handmade pottery can last for generations, as evidenced by ancient pieces found in museums. By learning to care for these pieces, we can create lasting legacies.
How do you see your future in pottery?
Looking to the future, my dreams with pottery are vast. I am already on the path to making a living from it. I aspire to exhibit my work internationally, participate in global events, and teach others about this beautiful art. Creating in the workshop fills me with joy and creativity, expanding my horizons and allowing me to collaborate with others. I want to create pieces that enhance people's lives, offering beauty, comfort, and utility.
Find out more about Angelica's pottery course in Bogota, Colombia in August 2024.
How do you begin each piece of work?
When starting a design, inspiration often strikes spontaneously. It is when I start getting my hands into the material that more ideas start to emerge.
For commissions, I seek references and inspiration from various sources either in the other arts or even platforms like Pinterest. Then I sketch and make adjustments or create additional pieces as I go along. I do a lot of tests to make sure the option I have chosen is closest to the client's requests. I also think about the most suitable material according to the commissioned piece, availability and cost. It is also important to keep refining the concept and avoid waste.
What challenges do you face in your career in pottery?
The biggest challenge in pottery is the unpredictability of firing. The kiln determines the final outcome, and even with extensive knowledge and preparation, results can vary. This can be both magical and frustrating, requiring patience and perseverance. Additionally, overcoming societal perceptions and securing support for my passion has been a constant struggle.
"Give it a go and see if you like it. Learn all you can, attend workshops and learn from other potters, and most of all learn about the chemistry of the art. I hope people can experience for themselves the grandeur of this art and its influence on humanity. Put in the kiln only the pieces of work that have been finished well, and make the most of the meditative process and peace when you're working with the clay."
In the end, pottery brings me closer to our most primitive humanity, transcending language and cultural barriers. It is a universal art form that resonates with the core of our being. Through pottery, I find purpose, connection, and a deep sense of fulfilment. My journey from international relations to pottery has been transformative, and I am excited to see where this path will lead! ❋
About Angélica María Romero
With a background in international relations and international cooperation, Angélica worked full-time in the field for many years, focusing on violence prevention and human rights projects with women's and indigenous organisations.
What began as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, and her love affair with pottery led her to pursue it professionally. This pursuit brought Angélica to Spain, where she is currently a student in the Master in Craftsmanship, Design, and Production of Sustainable Ceramics at the School of Design of Valencia and the School of Ceramics of Manises. Follow her work on her Instagram @kata.pottery.
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