Pablo TITO

Alfar

Ceramicist

©Alberto Román

©Matías Lechuga

©Alberto Román

Intergenerational legacy

Juan Pablo learned from his father and grandfather
His teachers taught him respect for tradition
Innovation and the desire to improve characterise his work

Since he was a child, Juan Pablo Martínez Sánchez knew he wanted to be a potter. He grew up surrounded by a family of artisans and never thought he could do anything else. His trade is a legacy that continues to be passed down from generation to generation. The region of Úbeda, in Spain, is closely linked to pottery, which has been around for 6,000 years, and it has a strong influence on Pablo's work, which is also inspired by the books he reads, the experiences he encounters, the cities he knows and the people he interacts with. For him, "there is no greater modernity than defending tradition" and he defines what he does as: tradition, respect, freedom, passion, enjoyment and disconnection.

Interview

©Alberto Román

©Alberto Román

How do people react to your work?: People who come to our pottery are especially surprised by the fact that the process is all by hand, without any type of machine, template or mould intervening at any time: they leave amazed!
How do you recognise a good job?: When every step of the process, from the beginning to the end, receives the care, the time and everything necessary to be just what you wanted it to be. The feeling of doing a job well is wonderful: it makes you feel satisfied, proud and happy. It is the reward for the effort.
Do you remember any memorable moments in your professional life?: When my grandfather and teacher, Tito, saw the first large piece I made, he took off the beret that always accompanied him and uncovered himself, telling me: "You have to uncover yourself before the great masters." His words were the fruit of the passion with which he looked at me, of his affection.
Do you think your profession is under threat?: The public that comes to our pottery are better educated and better informed than a few years ago. They are people who value craftsmanship and everything behind it. They understand the difference between a mass-produced piece and a handmade one. I think it is safe.

Pablo TITO is a master artisan: he began his career in 1993 and he started teaching in 1998