Inés Piqueras

La Arponera

Ceramicist

©Cristina Alejos

Mixing and matching

Inés likes to mix disciplines
Her creations are inspired by nature
She often recycles materials

With a degree in Fine Arts from the San Carlos University of Valencia, Inés Piqueras specialized in engraving and printmaking. She also took some classes in jewellery making before teaching herself ceramics. She has enjoyed working with her hands since she was a child, and it was always clear to her that she would dedicate herself to craftsmanship. She opened her workshop in 2010 and since then she has not only produced unique pieces but also sold them in her store called La Arponera. Her specialties are ceramics, lost wax jewellery in silver and brass, as well as intaglio and woodcut engravings. She likes to mix disciplines such as ceramics and jewellery.

Interview

©Cristina Alejos

What secret would you reveal about your work?: I recycle many things from paper, metal, clay, and mud. I don't like to discard anything, everything can be useful in the next project, sometimes great pieces result from "useless" leftovers. I give everything a second and a third chance of expression.
How do you see craftsmanship nowadays?: Nowadays industrial production is competing with handicraft production, which could be negative. On the other hand, however, there is a tendency to value craftsmanship. The future will depend on the awareness of young people.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I am very attracted to nature in general: animals, flora, or rocks. I am very interested in the marine world, hence the name of the store: La Arponera (the harpoon). All this helps me to express myself creatively.
What is special about the place you work?: My workshop is located in the old historical and cultural centre of Requena, Valencia, right in front of the great medieval tower, surrounded by Gothic churches and narrow streets where you can breathe art. Here there was an important pottery industry in its day.

Inés Piqueras is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2008