When ceramics are full of intent
- María Pilar specialises in tableware and interior elements
- She combines research, creativity and material control with functionality
- Inspired by the Canary Islands, her work fuses organic forms and innovative finishes
María Pilar González Concepción’s everyday clay pieces fuse ceramic tradition with contemporary language. She picked up an interest in craftsmanship from a very early age, whilst playing with scraps of wood and sawdust in her father’s carpentry workshop. María Pilar decided to pursue ceramics when she realised she could create functional art. In 1998, she opened her workshop Ceramicas Jícara, where she works on her stoneware, earthenware and porcelain creations with a firm commitment to the environment. “I seek to promote respect for manual processes, conscious consumption and the connection between art, territory and functionality,” she says. As a mentor in training programmes for creatives and entrepreneurs, María Pilar also shares her experience with new generations.
INTERVIEW
I develop my own glaze formulas, combining textures and seeking harmony between the rustic and the contemporary. My style is organic, functional and elegant, and especially suited to the hospitality sector. I am interested in creating objects designed for everyday use without sacrificing their artistic identity.
I always begin with a detailed study of the design, form and function. Then, I model my piece either by hand or on the wheel. I follow a slow process of controlled drying, bisque firing, decoration with glazes or oxides, and a second firing that reveals the final richness of textures and colours.
I am firmly committed to the environment. I prioritise local or low environmental impact materials, and I reuse clay whenever possible. I optimise water use in the workshop, and plan firings to minimise energy consumption.
Collaborating with other artisans has always been a source of inspiration. Every shared exhibition, project or mentoring process has allowed me to view my work in a new light, enriching it with new techniques and approaches. While passing on my experience, I gain the fresh perspective of those who are just starting, which encourages me to continue experimenting.
