Felix Carballo

Shop all Felix Carballo products

I am a Nicaraguan ceramist who loves art, colors, and all means of expression. I'm not that old – I was born in 1954 and I grew up in a loving family surrounded by nature, lots of sun and warm weather.

I come from an indigenous community in San Juan de Oriente who has inherited this artistic tradition. Ceramics is part of our village – it is something we are born with. You don't learn ceramic art, you live it.

"We've always been poor and experienced many hardships for lack of money. I was a sickly child, which put a strain on the family finances as my parents struggled to make ends meet. I never went to school, but I learned to read and write because I wanted to. I even developed an acceptable calligraphy, and that makes me very happy. It means I can communicate, tell the time, and all those things one takes for granted when you already know them.

"I always wanted to succeed at something, so I'd spend a lot of time with my mother as she worked with ceramics. I got to know her secrets so that one day I could use them in my work.

"Eventually I started crafting my own pieces, decorate them and start selling them. Now we've made a little space at home where we work and share as a family. We all contribute to the family finances.

"I've become very interested in crafting ocarinas. Today's ceramists seem to have forgotten all about them but I love them. The sounds of the ocarina make me think of my childhood, the sounds of the forest, the birds, the wind and the water.

"That's why I hope you like them too! Gracias!"

Shop all NOVICA products

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.

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.