Taller Manos Que Ven: Hay Cosas Que No Se Ven, Pero Se Sienten
Taller Manos Que Ven is located over an hour outside the city of Oaxaca. If you ask me, it is well worth the visit! When I think of this workshop this exactly comes to mind,
"Hay cosas que no se ven, pero se sienten."
There are things you cannot see, but you can feel.
In my mind, this perfectly describes the terracota pottery created by Don Jose Garcia Antonio. Every artisan I have met during our travels carries with them a unique story, traditions, and skills, but Don Jose's story is one of the most unique I have encountered.
Don Jose began working with clay since a very young age. Since he had no toys, he would often find himself playing with the red earth collected from the riverbanks. He never received any formal training in pottery, yet he developed an extraordinary talent.
He lost his sight in his mid 50's due to glaucoma. This only enhanced his talents and awakened his senses even more. He continues to mold with great precision, sculpting pieces by feel guided by years of visual memory, imagination and touch alone. His workshop named "Manos Que Ven" (Hands That See) is a homage to his sensorial power and creativity that goes beyond eyesight.
His pottery is known for mermaids, feminine Zapotec figures and of course the love of his life Teresita. Teresita not only inspires Don Jose, but also contributes in adding the finishing touches to his creations bringing her own eye and heart into the work. Along with their children, Jose Miguel, Sara Ernestina and Reyna Esther they have built a family legacy rooted in love, tradition and imagination. His grown children also create beautiful pieces continuing the family traditions. Each piece is signed by the creator and the workshop name ensuring authentic pieces.
Don Jose is very well known and aside from winning awards for his creativity and talents, his workshop has become a staple attracting visitors from around the world not only for his pottery, but to learn first hand of this unique and inspiring story.
Each of Don Jose's pieces carries more than a piece of pottery. It carries a memory, a voice, tradition and a reminder that true beauty doesn't always need to be seen to be felt.
Don Jose's story invites us to see art and life a little differently. One guided by feeling, memory and love. Now you have a chance to bring a piece of that story into your home.
Each handcrafted piece from Taller Manos Que Ven is more than just pottery, it is a timeless expression of beauty, resilience and tradition.
Own a piece of art that's as moving as it is meaningful.