Alberto Bustos

Pušpure, Rasma

Ceramicist

©Alberto Bustos

A passion for clay

Alberto opened his workshop 12 years ago
He is inspired by humans and his natural environment
His pieces are surprising and full of life

Born in Valladolid, but living in Catalonia, in a mountainous area near the sea, Alberto Bustos is a self-taught artisan. His work with clay has a very personal imprint. Surprising figures, many of them geometric, that do not leave the viewer indifferent are part of his style which is closely linked to the environment. His pieces are unique and seem to have a life of their own. Although he has worked with other materials such as wood and bronze, since he discovered clay 25 years ago, Alberto continues to learn new techniques that for him are infinite. He opened his first workshop 12 years ago and his work has always been inspired by his constant search for nature and freedom.

Interview

©Alberto Bustos

©Alberto Bustos

What influences your ceramics?: Undoubtedly nature and the degradation which we humans subject it to daily. I believe that the human race is becoming dehumanized by the minute. My works of organic physiognomy tell human stories.
What do you look for when you are working with clay?: My main skill is mental rather than physical. It's about not being afraid of a discipline as technical as ceramics. This gives me the ability to work with clay in a way that transmits the messages I wish to convey.
Are your methods traditional or innovative?: My way of working is traditional. My main tools are my hands. And they will remain so. I do not envisage the possibility of using mechanical means.
What is most important to you as a craftsman?: To ensure my works transmit a message. When a work makes a person stop for a moment to observe it, regardless of liking or disliking it, it means that it is well made.

Alberto Bustos is a master artisan: he began his career in 1992 and he started teaching in 2010