Nano Unzueta

Ceramicist

©Eugenia Bascuas Gonçalves

©Uxi Bascuas

Ceramics for the everyday

Nano creates pieces that combine function and decoration
He also focuses his work on teaching, research and experimentation
He believes that the clays of Galicia are the best to work with

Over the last few years, Nano Unzueta has become one of the great contemporary representatives of Galician craftsmanship. Self-taught, he focuses on making ceramics for everyday use, utilitarian but also with high aesthetics. For him, the clays of the region where he lives are especially good for preparing the pastes he needs for his pieces and firing them at high temperatures. Beyond creating ceramics with his own natural glazes, he also teaches and carries out research. Nano believes artisans should not keep secrets in the workshop, so he is always willing to share his knowledge and his passion for his craft. All of this, with the noble aim of ensuring that handmade ceramics continue to strengthen and occupy a special place in people’s daily lives and hearts.

Interview

©Eugenia Bascuas Gonçalves

©Xurxo Garcia

How did you get started in ceramics?: I started in 1979 with a beginners’ course in Eibar. From there, I moved to Galicia and got a place in a ceramics workshop in Buño, A Coruña, where the master Aparicio Añón gave me a wheel so that I could practise. Later, I moved to Carnota and launched my first workshop.
What are your fundamental skills?: I have focused on the research of pastes, glazes, finishes and on the design and making of ovens and utensils. Social networks are great tools for the dissemination of our work. On my website, you can find my articles on these fields, as I advocate the exchange of ideas and experiences.
What would be your advice to young artisans?: I would encourage them to persevere. This craft requires a slow learning process, so I advise patience, determination and stubbornness. They now have information sources that we did not have a few years ago: they must take advantage of them and train.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: Ceramics and crafts in general, suffer ups and downs. There are periods of prosperity, and other times in which everything seems to disappear. I believe that as long as there are people who appreciate unique, well made craft products, there will be artisans.

Nano Unzueta is a master artisan: he began his career in 1980 and he started teaching in 2000