My ceramics are an incessant dialogue with clay to create forms from the modeling of basic geometric figures such as the cylinder, sphere, and oval, made on the electric wheel.
My forms, which often tend towards the organic, are inspired by some of the species of the typical flora of the Baja Californian desert such as the saguaro, the biznaga, the cardón, the cirio; then I synthesize them and shape them using different techniques of composition, movement, rhythm, and texture.
I frequently integrate iconographic elements of Baja Californian rock art as part of the decoration of the pieces. With this, I seek to create unique pieces, rich in form and with a regional identity, but at the same time, with a fresh and universal sense, inspired by important artists of contemporary ceramics from Mexico and the world.
In the processes of creation, decoration, and firing of my ceramic pieces, I have set out to contribute to the rescue of techniques that are inheritances of pre-Hispanic art, such as weaving, firing in a reducing atmosphere, negative decoration, burnishing with oily materials, etc.
I consider that these should not be lost, as they are contributions from the original cultures, and help to strengthen values such as identity and a sense of belonging as Mexicans, heirs to great ancient and legendary Mesoamerican cultures, for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
Interested in a piece by Ariel Duarte? Get in touch.
