I am a 54-year-old Mexican-American folk artist and potter. I began making pottery about 20 years ago, maybe a little longer, and am self-taught. I did not know where to locate clay or how to build pots, but had the desire to do so from a very young age and like a lot of kids, I enjoyed playing with mud. In my thirties, on intuition, I went in search of clay. I still remember the first time I found some here in El Paso. I was so excited. Finding the clay was just the beginning. I had to be patient and let the clay teach me how to work it and how to form pots. It is very important to be a good listener even when you hear no words. Over many years, I did learn. Each piece I make is a spiritual experience for me. It is when I am most happy and fulfilled. There is something magical that happens through the entire process. Each piece is like a tiny miracle to me – a special gift from Mother Earth.
