What inspires you?
I am very conscious of my roots. I come from Aragón, an area of Spain where the Mudéjar influence permeates architecture, art and the spirit of people. I also count the white Chinese porcelain of the Song dynasty as an inspiration, due to their formal construction and the finishing of the glazing.
Why did you choose this career?
I quickly discovered the pleasure of throwing different kinds of clay. The whole process has always fascinated me, in particular the power of material transformation in the kiln, its endless possibilities, and the feeling of better understanding the world of art thanks to what I'm shaping with my hands.
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When is a piece well made, for you?
There has to be a balance between aesthetic and technique, the concept and function of each piece, to allow it to convey a message, evoke memories and reveal the hand behind it. The craftsman’s role in creating a well made item is to be able to adapt it to current times and the needs of his client.
How important is teaching to you?
This is a marvellous craft, always evolving and posing challenges, forcing you to exchange ideas and appreciate what others do. I have been a professor at the Escuela de Arte de Talavera de la Reina since 1991. My role is to train ceramicists, teaching them the value of tradition and innovation.