Luis Manuel Ortiz Simon, lives in San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca and has made black-clay pottery since he was eight- years old. His work represents the past, present and future of his community, because with each generation, a new perspective of life and innovation are brought to traditional techniques.

This family’s work is unique, unrepeatable and made with dedication, quality and the love of the art they produce.

The entire body is used to create the sought after black pottery from Oaxaca — their feet knead the clay after it is collected from the hills and turn it into the consistency needed to be able to mold it with their hands — the hands transform and give shape to what the mind is already creating — this is what their community represents, an art that runs through the veins and is captured in the clay.

Luis enjoys having his children ask for a piece of clay to make a piece and he hopes to impart in them his wisdom and love for the art of ceramics. he also enjoys being his own boss, giving him time to make his family the priority — he says he will continue to work with black clay ceramics until mother earth turns him back into clay.

For Luis, being an artisan means to be a creator — we can all destroy, but only the chosen ones can create. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family was left with hardly any sales and were forced to work on a much smaller scale. The pandemic caused them to worry constantly that their children might get sick, or even worse, they themselves would fall victim to Covid and be unable to care for their family. Money for things like doctors is hard to come by for artists like Luis who work hand to mouth. He is still concerned about the future, but knows that staying united with a good attitude will keep their spirit as creators alive. 

When you buy Luis’ work, you are helping to preserve his culture and traditions of San Bartolo Coyotepec. In addition, your purchase allows his family to continue with this ancestral heritage, which gives them great satisfaction and nourishment to their bodies and souls.

Reforma 11

San Bartolo Coyotepec,  Oaxaca de Juarez  CP  71256

951 223 8485