Tonalá, Jalisco

He learned the technique of sgraffito black clay from a young age, playing with clay alongside his sisters and helping out with small tasks in the family workshop.

Today, he works alongside his mother and sister, continuing this artistic tradition.

His family has long been dedicated to creating art through clay. His grandparents used to make glazed jugs, cups, and plates for domestic use. His ancestors were farmers who also worked with clay as an art form. He learned from his father, and he and his siblings represent the sixth generation in their family to carry on this tradition.

They love crafting black clay pieces, experimenting with shapes, models, and materials. Beyond being a creative outlet, it brings cultural value and personal fulfillment to their community.

In black clay art, like many other crafts, no two pieces are ever the same—each one is completely handmade. The signature black color comes from the final stage of the process: firing. This is achieved through a reduction reaction, which he refers to as “smoking.” After the pieces are removed from the kiln, they are exposed to the fire produced by burning dry leaves, which gradually darkens and blackens them.

More and more people are discovering their work and their technique, and their compliments serve as motivation to keep improving every day. Rigoberto hopes people will enjoy having their pieces in their homes and spaces.