Assistant name: Joel Godinez Cortes

Tonalá, Jalisco

Ricardo Navarro Rodríguez is a master ceramicist from Tonalá, Jalisco, a region famed for its rich pottery traditions.

Specializing in functional pieces like mugs, jugs, and teapots, Ricardo pays careful attention to every stage of the process, from shaping and glazing to hand-painting the final designs. His signature mugs, adorned with birds and floral motifs, reflect both artisanal warmth and a harmony between everyday use and artistic detail.

Ricardo and Joel are part of Ken Edwards Studio, a renowned workshop in Tonalá dedicated to producing high-quality handcrafted ceramics. This studio is recognized for producing high-temperature, lead-free stoneware ceramics, a tradition introduced to the region in the 1960s by American ceramist Ken Edwards. The studio’s distinctive style blends traditional Mexican motifs with influences from Asian art, resulting in unique, hand-painted designs featuring birds, flowers, and natural elements.

In 2020, he received support from the Jalisco government’s Reactiva program, aimed at bolstering local artisans and small businesses. Through his work at Ken Edwards Studio, Ricardo Navarro Rodríguez continues to uphold and evolve the rich ceramic traditions of Tonalá, contributing to the preservation and innovation of this cultural art form.