Meet Our Artisan Partner
Santa María Atzompa, Mexico
Francisco Martinez Alarzón
Francisco’s journey with Oaxacan pottery began in his childhood, steeped in the rich traditions of Santa María Atzompa, a pueblo famous for its green glazed ceramics. After a decade in the USA, Francisco returned to his roots, following the path of his ancestors and reviving the pottery techniques and methods he inherited.
The town’s ancient kilns, revealed by archaeologists, underscore the continuity of traditional practices. Modern artisans still use hand-built stone kilns that echo pre-Hispanic designs, with each artisan adding their own mark to their pottery. Every burn mark and thumbprint on the surface serves as a reminder that these pieces are crafted by hand, not by machines, reflecting pride in heritage, storytelling, and personal connection.
Francisco elevates this tradition by incorporating unique natural elements into his work. He infuses his clay with sap and leaves from organic copal and tobacco, which he grows himself, creating distinctive colours and textures. His open-air studio, set on his property with kilns scattered around, allows him to fire his creations using materials from his land. This approach yields a range of earthy colours from cream to green, along with his signature smoky black, blending natural elements with traditional craftsmanship.