Anita Contreras

Anita Contreras handcrafted ceramics

"I was born in Ayacucho province in 1975. Ayacucho is known for the subtle beauty of its traditional homes, for its breathtaking landscapes crowned with blue skies and surrounded by endless valleys.

"My parents worked tirelessly to give us an education. My childhood took place in complicated times during a period of economic instability during the 1980s and '90s. My family was greatly affected by this and we bought as little as possible, making many sacrifices to face the crisis.

"Despite it all, I was a happy girl. I liked ceramics and was curious about how they were crafted. I was born in an artisan village, so how could I not love this art?

"I was captivated by the power to shape clay, and fascinated by colors and paints. I realized I had the talent and ability to develop my own designs and do so with care, love and passion. I think this is the key to quality. Being a detail-oriented person led me to become a perfectionist in my technique and, over time, I mastered this art and continue learning day by day.

"I especially like how clay is malleable and easy to mold. I'm inspired by traditional Peruvian pottery, and I like to craft churches and little bulls, and to depict our lovely landscapes.

"To start working on my own has required to perseverance. I've had to train a lot and not stop working on what I'm passionate about. It's taken effort and dedication to achieve my goals."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"I was born in Ayacucho province in 1975. Ayacucho is known for the subtle beauty of its traditional homes, for its breathtaking landscapes crowned with blue skies and surrounded by endless valleys.

"My parents worked tirelessly to give us an education. My childhood took place in complicated times during a period of economic instability during the 1980s and '90s. My family was greatly affected by this and we bought as little as possible, making many sacrifices to face the crisis.

"Despite it all, I was a happy girl. I liked ceramics and was curious about how they were crafted. I was born in an artisan village, so how could I not love this art?

"I was captivated by the power to shape clay, and fascinated by colors and paints. I realized I had the talent and ability to develop my own designs and do so with care, love and passion. I think this is the key to quality. Being a detail-oriented person led me to become a perfectionist in my technique and, over time, I mastered this art and continue learning day by day.

"I especially like how clay is malleable and easy to mold. I'm inspired by traditional Peruvian pottery, and I like to craft churches and little bulls, and to depict our lovely landscapes.

"To start working on my own has required to perseverance. I've had to train a lot and not stop working on what I'm passionate about. It's taken effort and dedication to achieve my goals."

Andes Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.

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Maker BadgeCaring for Children

Anita has dealt with adversity and an abusive husband while struggling to provide for her four children and one grandchild.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

Even though two of her children are grown, Anita continues to pay for their studies. Her eldest daughter has a son and Anita is helping to raise him.

Maker BadgeConfronting Adversity

Daily life is difficult for Anita. She cannot afford to leave her husband. She works hard, dreaming of the day she can leave the torment and the verbal abuse behind her. She dreams of being able to move to her own place with her children.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Anita comes from Quinua, a town in Ayacucho famous for its traditional pottery known as Quinua ceramics. Her grandfather was a master ceramist but Anita received most of her training at a workshop in Lima. Over time, the distinctive form of this traditional ceramic art has evolved to include molding. Many of Anita's pieces are made with her own molds. She credits her perfectionism and determination to learn something every day with letting her master this art.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase brings Anita one step closer to her independence. Her Novica sales renew her faith in her convictions that she is on the right path. She never loses sight of her goal to move to her own place and to better provide for her family.

Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

Anita is an important representative of our Women's Empowerment badge, in part because her struggle is still ongoing. I was forced to marry a man I didn't love, and have endured a lifetime of belittling taunts from my husband. Although he mocks my ceramic work, I continue to produce art in hopes that I may one day have the financial stability to leave him. Anita reminds us that women's empowerment is not a simple destination but a continuous process.

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The shelves are empty for now.Every piece Anita Contreras makes is one of a kind, and they've all found homes. Follow to be first to see the next collection. Follow Anita Contreras.

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6 Badges for Anita Contreras