Maria Isabel Cruz

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“I am a ceramic artist, and I am interested in capturing the Talavera technique in my high-fired pieces, transmitting a painting into a simple piece that is full of color. A very good friend gave me the opportunity to learn this technique and its beautiful details, from how to find the best ceramics to the method of creating texture in each piece and the secrets of the colors.

“What has been the most challenging for me has been implementing a structure in my creative process, from the design to the presentation. Each piece represents tradition, dreams, the identity of our nation (as with Frida) or beautiful animals.

“I want to characterize my work as a different way of presenting Talavera, giving it an abstract touch that is filled with color, imbuing each piece with a more profound message. My designs touch the tradition of Mexico, its mysticism, and its beautiful animals.

“Dolores Hidalgo is very rich in the Talavera technique. This gave me a great advantage in learning. The materials that we work with are ceramic and enamels, and the forms for the base. The key was practicing over and over again. Discipline is the key for any dream.

“I feel a great gratification each time that a piece is sold. That is when I talk about the piece they like, which encourages me to create more colorful and unique designs.

“I would say that my talent is natural, since I have not had any formal studies to back up my technique. My objective is to establish my dreams and export my pieces for the world to know my work and be inspired by it. I am very touched by this alliance with NOVICA. I know that it is a great emotional path.”

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

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