Today’s post is dedicated to Maestro José García Antonio, a brilliantly imaginative artesano based in San Antonino del Castillo Velasco, in the Ocotlån valley of Oaxaca. From his studio tucked off a small road in the quiet town, he creates an incredible range of clay forms, from small decorative and functional vessels to full-scale human figures. He has become world-renowned and collected for his fantastic designs - his human heads and mermaids (sirenas) being the most popular and recognizable.

Antonio is unique, and proud, for being a self-taught artisan. Rather than having the craft handed down to him as is custom, he discovered clay on his own when he was seven years ago. The pieces he builds comes from clay native to his town.

The soulfulness of his work stems largely from the love for his wife and muse, Teresita Mendoza Reyna Sánchez. Together for over 35 years, he continues to be inspired by her. His female clay figures so often wear her likeness and signature forehead mole.

Nearly two decades ago, Antonio lost his eyesight due to glaucoma. He did not give up his craft, but rather learned to continue working by sense of touch. Maestra Teresita, not only his muse, now works alongside him to add the details and finishing to his clay pieces. Their children have joined them in the studio as well, each continuing their father’s work but with their own stylistic twist.

“Manos que ven,” the name they’ve given their family studio, means “hands that see.”