Diego Añez

Magma Cerámica

Ceramicist

©Artesanias de Colombia

Heritage ceramics for use today

Diego travelled throughout Colombia to learn his craft
He is inspired by nature and past uses of ceramics
He met his wife and together they opened up their workshop

Diego Añez first connected with ceramics when he was just a child. As a young adult, he travelled the country to know the craft in more depth and learn from the best masters. He spent more than 15 years marvelling at the creations in each region and understanding that the use of ceramics has deep roots. Today, Diego runs the Magma Cerámica workshop with his wife, María Paula, where they create innovative and unique ceramic objects. Diego, now in his sixties, has been awarded the Medalla a la Maestría Artesanal (Craftsmanship Mastery Medal). His greatest treasure is knowing that he continues to spread the knowledge that so many others handed over to him. This is how he honours them, he says.

Interview

©Artesanias de Colombia

©Artesanias de Colombia

When and how did you actually start?: My love for ceramics was born in Bogotá thanks to a kindergarten teacher who made me play with clay when I was young. My fascination with his craft led me to travelling the country as an adult and discovering everything ceramics has to offer.
What does your craft mean to you?: Ceramics remind us of our ancestors in ocarina rituals, amphorae to transport water in La Guajira, gastronomy in the south in the shape of cassava toasters or black casseroles... They are also used to craft magnificent ornamental wares.
What are your sources of inspiration?: Nature is the one that shows me the way. For instance, the fossils of sea urchins found in the middle of the desert in La Guajira became the inspiration for a line of lamps we made in the workshop. Our hearts guide us, and our hands shape those feelings.
How has your work changed over time?: When I was 33, I met María Paula Giraldo, who stole my heart and became my partner in my new project: the Magma Cerámica workshop. Today, we live in the heart of the Candelaria neighborhood in Bogotá, surrounded by glazes and our pottery wheel. Our commitment to contemporary ceramics has us constantly researching new trends.

Diego Añez is a master artisan: he began his career in 1993 and he started teaching in 1995