Meet The Artisans
Nelly Ortiz
Mexico
Nelly Ortiz was born and raised in a small, special town just outside of the city of Oaxaca, known for its masterful black pottery, otherwise know as “Barro Negro”. Long ago, the inhabitants of this town discovered in the surrounding mountains a unique clay, that when fired turned completely black. The color is due to the unique natural properties of the clay itself and not to colorants. Over the years the people of this town developed extensive knowledge and technique around the use of this beautiful and unique black clay. Thus, eventually learned that if polished with river stones before firing, the clay would come out with a shiny, silvery finish.
Nelly’s entire family works in the family business run by her parents. While each and every one has learned the intricacies of this craft, each family member masters a specific part of the creation process and has his or her own role. Today, Nelly has a young daughter named Milagrito, ‘Little Miracle’ in English, who has just begun to learn the secrets of black pottery which have been passed on through the generations. Always at her mother’s side, Milagrito looks up to her mother with great admiration, and enjoys their time together as she helps her mother pack the orders. Nelly manages the studio production process and client orders, while her husband Jose, is responsible for the firing process. Together, they have built a happy home filled with creativity and love, and a beautiful business dedicated to the preservation of ancient Oaxacan culture.
Nelly’s entire family works in the family business run by her parents. While each and every one has learned the intricacies of this craft, each family member masters a specific part of the creation process and has his or her own role. Today, Nelly has a young daughter named Milagrito, ‘Little Miracle’ in English, who has just begun to learn the secrets of black pottery which have been passed on through the generations. Always at her mother’s side, Milagrito looks up to her mother with great admiration, and enjoys their time together as she helps her mother pack the orders. Nelly manages the studio production process and client orders, while her husband Jose, is responsible for the firing process. Together, they have built a happy home filled with creativity and love, and a beautiful business dedicated to the preservation of ancient Oaxacan culture.
Featured collection
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Original price $96.00 - Original price $96.00Original price$96.00$96.00 - $96.00Current price $96.00Ceramic Pompom Vase
Nelly OrtizElegant yet playful, this ceramic pompom vase is hand-crafted in San Bartolo, Oaxaca by master artisan Nelly Ortiz. This truly one-of-a-kind piece ...
View full detailsOriginal price $96.00 - Original price $96.00Original price$96.00$96.00 - $96.00Current price $96.00 -
Original price $59.00 - Original price $59.00Original price$59.00$59.00 - $59.00Current price $59.00Ceramic Cactus Candle Holder
Nelly OrtizThe rich beauty of nature is embodied in this handmade candle holder that emulates the elegance of a cactus. Perfect for a mantlepiece or as cente...
View full detailsOriginal price $59.00 - Original price $59.00Original price$59.00$59.00 - $59.00Current price $59.00 -
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Original price $38.00 - Original price $38.00Original price$38.00$38.00 - $38.00Current price $38.00Ceramic Copal Holder
Nelly OrtizTraditional design with a minimalist feel, this ceramic copal holder is hand-crafted in San Bartolo, Oaxaca by master artisan Nelly Ortiz. Copal i...
View full detailsOriginal price $38.00 - Original price $38.00Original price$38.00$38.00 - $38.00Current price $38.00Sold out -
Original price $39.00 - Original price $39.00Original price$39.00$39.00 - $39.00Current price $39.00Handmade Ceramic Single Candle Holder
Nelly OrtizMinimalist beauty. This handmade candle holder is an elegant yet earthy piece of decor, accentuating the light of a single candle. Perfect for a m...
View full detailsOriginal price $39.00 - Original price $39.00Original price$39.00$39.00 - $39.00Current price $39.00 -
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