I make functional porcelain vessels with detailed underglaze imagery highlighting Mexican labor and the plight, struggle, hope, and heritage of Mexican immigrants. I mix 2-dimensional imagery, influenced by personal narratives, with 3-dimensional functional forms.

With the current political administration enforcing policies that dehumanize and force immigrants into the shadows, recognizing an immigrant’s humanity is vital. As the son of immigrant parents, I hope to pay homage to my people and the dignity of their labor.When the political work feels too heavy, I love to paint hummingbirds or monarch butterflies. With their migration between Canada, the US, and Mexico, I see both as a symbol of immigrants.

Using a small watercolor brush, I paint with Amaco’s black underglaze on functional vessels. The process is time-consuming and labor intensive. I cannot think of a better way to show my respect and admiration for my people, and their will to survive, than with labor of love and time invested.

The imagery is painted on sanded bisqueware, then bisqued again to set the image. This keeps the image from smearing. I apply a clear glaze on the inside and fire to cone 6 oxidation. After the firing, each piece is sanded again to make the unglazed outside surface buttery smooth.