presentation of Results and processes of the Pottery Learning Community chapter IV
Since 2017, potters from seven towns in Oaxaca, Puebla and Chiapas have met monthly as a Pottery Learning Community to share knowledge and move the trade forward.
In 2020 we traveled three intertwined paths: we played with clay creating new pieces for pulque, we racked our brains developing a guide for fair costing, and we reflected by talking about our traditions, community practices, and the pottery way of life.
We are wondering what unites us and what separates us from the earth, from where everything arises. What unites us and what separates us from the community and from others, on whom we depend to live. What unites us and what separates us from our history and our traditions, on which we build our identities. What unites us and what separates us from our job, which turns the earth into beauty.
Instead of showing only results, we decided to show our entire path, including trials, setbacks, and successes; to make a mosaic of ideas, explorations, feelings and learnings, with the hope that everyone can better understand the processes that are involved in making clay pieces, the difficulties we face and the love we have for our craft.
We wanted to show how this Learning Community has evolved from sharing generously, learning with passion and commitment, and trust and friendship.
We feel satisfied to have transcended the different health challenges that we face in 2020 and the difficulties of virtual communication, since we managed to meet due to the desire to see each other and grow together.
We thank those who made the Learning Community possible: the work of the equipment of Innovating Tradition, the support of the Huajes Valley Network and to Kintaro Restaurant, for opening the doors again.