From pre-Colombian designs to precise contemporary geometric patterns, Sr. Francisco Calero is one of the most prolific and talented clay artists from the small village of San Juan de Oriente outside Masaya, Nicaragua. His workshop employs several extended family members and provides a living that allows the children of the family to attend school up to the secondary level. He has over 15 years experience as a ceramist, and has presented work in several national and international exhibitions in Central America.
One of his most noteworthy designs embodies stylized animals of pre-Colombian derivation, utilizing deep earth tones defined by ivory accents. His pre-Colombian design treatment is unique among the clay artists of San Juan de Oriente and is distinguished by the precise and delicate painted forms and final brilliant polish of the ceramic vessels.
Sr. Calero’s contemporary designs represent some of the most sophisticated patterns in the Nicaraguan clay art community, with unparalleled precision in execution and detail.
Vessel shapes range from tall and stately to full and gracefully swelling. All of the works from his studio are hand-thrown, original designs, colored with mineral oxides, fired in a hand-built “bee-hive” kiln, hand-painted individually, and finally polished using a smooth stone and soft cloth.
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