Coming from Santa Fe de la Laguna, Michoacán, already suggests something special. Settled in the 12th century, this small indigenous pueblo on the north side of Lake Pátzcuaro is often called the home of the mythical gods and the spiritual heart of the Purhépecha nation. Santa Fe de la Laguna is also known for its unique pottery, which, until Nicolás Fabián Fermín began changing the style, was originally practical: mainly cooking pots and pitchers, small plates and bowls, or candelabras and copaleros for religious rituals.

Nicolás was born in 1962 into a family of potters that concentrated on these common domestic and ceremonial items. He began learning from his aunt at the age of 7 and even in his youth began to consider how he could create unique pieces. Since his marriage to María del Rosario Lucas Bautiste, the pair have been continuously working on new and interesting ways to work with ancient forms. Nicolás gave new life to the ancient practice of engraving designs in pottery and also found a method to replace lead in his glazes. Using clay mined in the region, Nicolás and Rosario first create their form, then they burnish the piece, engrave a design, and afterward scrape away the negative space surrounding the etching to leave the pattern in relief. The wood firing process then adds the black or brown stains that complete many art pieces.

Nicolás recalls with a wry smile that in the beginning the community poked fun at him, thinking his work couldn’t possibly be successful. He said it was when he won his first concurso many years ago that the townsfolk rallied behind his work and eventually began to use some of his methods. Nicolás has since won many awards and has twice been a sponsored participant in the prestigious Santa Fe, New Mexico, International Folk Art Market.

ARTIST INFORMATION: Nicolás Fabián Fermín

Taller de Alfareria Ahuanda 

WhatsApp: 443 392 7723

Email: falviciano@gmail.com