technique

My paddles technique dates back to Pre-Inca times. In the traditional way, I use my hands and feet to create my ceramic pieces. My materials and tools are simple. I use clay and rustic tools such as a round rocks and a wooden paddles.
I am a quiet and meditative artist. As I begin work on a piece the shape emerges. I do not start my work with an image in my mind. Instead I allow the clay, the earth, to speak to me. There are many stages to the creation of each piece and attention to detail is my objective.
The smaller vases are formed in the shape of a nest made by a Peruvian bird called the “Chilalo”. According to tradition, this bird is a Master Potter who builds his nest from clay using his beak and feet. It is this bird who taught my ancestors how to work with clay. I make the bird figurines to honor the Chilalo and his nest.
The pieces are pit fired with wood. I incorporate color by using clay engobes (earth oxides and minerals) and various smoking processes to obtain the colors and rich black finish my work is known for.
The form and style of my work reflects the duality of my life. The smooth side represents the beauty in life, the rough textured side represents the difficult times we all face. My designs and colors are inspired by events in my life, my ancestors, the world around me and the universe as a whole. Each piece is unique and never repeated.
I am available for demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions and conventions.
Thanks You, Polo
I am a quiet and meditative artist. As I begin work on a piece the shape emerges. I do not start my work with an image in my mind. Instead I allow the clay, the earth, to speak to me. There are many stages to the creation of each piece and attention to detail is my objective.
The smaller vases are formed in the shape of a nest made by a Peruvian bird called the “Chilalo”. According to tradition, this bird is a Master Potter who builds his nest from clay using his beak and feet. It is this bird who taught my ancestors how to work with clay. I make the bird figurines to honor the Chilalo and his nest.
The pieces are pit fired with wood. I incorporate color by using clay engobes (earth oxides and minerals) and various smoking processes to obtain the colors and rich black finish my work is known for.
The form and style of my work reflects the duality of my life. The smooth side represents the beauty in life, the rough textured side represents the difficult times we all face. My designs and colors are inspired by events in my life, my ancestors, the world around me and the universe as a whole. Each piece is unique and never repeated.
I am available for demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions and conventions.
Thanks You, Polo