• Cecilio works with pigmented clay, a technique developed by his family
• A third-generation ceramicist, he preserves local Mexican traditions
• Some of his pieces are inspired by biblical narratives

As a child, Cecilio Sánchez Fierro spent hours watching his grandparents create clay pieces. "I was fascinated by the firing process," he says. Cecilio learned the craft from his family and gradually turned it into a practice of his own. "Out of my love for clay, I decided to dedicate myself to pottery when I was 14 years old. I wanted to preserve a family legacy and cultural tradition,” he says. His native Metepec in the State of Mexico is widely recognised for its pottery culture, from utilitarian objects to purely decorative works. Among the techniques he practises is pigmented clay, a family-developed process that results in earthy, matte colours rather than bright finishes. “We developed the technique around 25 years ago," Cecilio explains. "This discovery became a turning point for my career and my family’s work.”