Amie and I work together, but most of my days are consumed by coffee. Especially in the March to May period, when coffee harvests are finishing and the first cuppings of the new crops are possible, my time for other activities is limited. But in June, there is more time. For the past 4+ years our shared work has included my joining her to meet artisans whose work our shops might carry. This work never disappoints, even if we conclude that the product is not a good fit for Authentica. Recently we had an afternoon together with a ceramicist we knew about, but had not yet had the opportunity to spend time with. The biggest surprise was seeing this smoke stack in the photo below.

It is rustic, and at first sight not much to look at. But listening to him tell its history you can appreciate how often in history artisans lead the way that industrialists eventually follow. This was the first smokestack in Costa Rica using technology that reduces carbon and particulate emissions.

The next surprise was learning that this man mines and produces his own clay.

It is not particularly pretty, but to finally see what this process looks like was useful for Amie and me.

We have been offering some beautiful finished ceramic products, so seeing more of what happens to make those possible gives perspective.

I do not think everyone will find this as interesting as we did, and he does not have organized tours, nor do I think he wants to start giving them. So take this for what it is worth.

I cannot explain, even after detailed description from the ceramicist, what all these things mean.

But seeing the pre-formed clay…

…and the stages he puts it through…

…is somehow satisfying.

This room itself is as interesting as many art installations I have visited.

And the furnace is a blast.

We will carry his work.