Nica table lamp
Client: Giant Foot
Collaboration: Dama Arte Ceramics
2024
Nica table lamp
Client: Giant Foot
Collaboration: Dama Arte Ceramics
2024
The Nica Table Lamp was a project I developed in San Juan de Oriente, a small, vibrant ceramic village located in the south-central region of Nicaragua. This village is celebrated for its traditional pottery techniques, which have been preserved and refined over generations. The artisans of San Juan de Oriente are distinguished by their unique approach to finishing their ceramic pieces. Unlike many other pottery traditions, they do not use glazing. Instead, they employ an intensive process of polishing the uncooked pieces with colored slips, resulting in a smooth, lustrous finish that highlights the natural beauty of the clay. This meticulous technique not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the ceramics but also reflects the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the village.
Over time, the artisans have adapted their methods to deal with the challenges of their polishing technique. Sometimes, pieces break during the polishing process. Rather than discarding these broken pieces, the artisans cook the ceramics as they are and then repair them using a binder material such as cement. After repairing, they paint the cooked pieces, resulting in a matte finish. This resourceful approach ensures that even broken pieces are transformed into beautiful, functional art. The blue lamp was made using this innovative repair technique. In contrast, the green lamp was created using the traditional method. After the initial polishing, it was intricately carved to reveal the natural colour of the clay beneath the slips. With a more minimalistic design approach, these lamps preserve and reflect the rich cultural heritage and ingenuity of San Juan de Oriente’s craftsmanship.
