Maria Isabel Cruz

Maria Isabel Cruz decorative ceramic plates

“I am a ceramic artist, and I am interested in capturing the Talavera technique in my high-fired pieces, transmitting a painting into a simple piece that is full of color. A very good friend gave me the opportunity to learn this technique and its beautiful details, from how to find the best ceramics to the method of creating texture in each piece and the secrets of the colors.

“What has been the most challenging for me has been implementing a structure in my creative process, from the design to the presentation. Each piece represents tradition, dreams, the identity of our nation (as with Frida) or beautiful animals.

“I want to characterize my work as a different way of presenting Talavera, giving it an abstract touch that is filled with color, imbuing each piece with a more profound message. My designs touch the tradition of Mexico, its mysticism, and its beautiful animals.

“Dolores Hidalgo is very rich in the Talavera technique. This gave me a great advantage in learning. The materials that we work with are ceramic and enamels, and the forms for the base. The key was practicing over and over again. Discipline is the key for any dream.

“I feel a great gratification each time that a piece is sold. That is when I talk about the piece they like, which encourages me to create more colorful and unique designs.

“I would say that my talent is natural, since I have not had any formal studies to back up my technique. My objective is to establish my dreams and export my pieces for the world to know my work and be inspired by it. I am very touched by this alliance with NOVICA. I know that it is a great emotional path.”

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Guadalajara, Mexico

“What has been the most challenging for me has been implementing a structure in my creative process, from the design to the presentation. Each piece represents tradition, dreams, the identity of our nation (as with Frida) or beautiful animals.

“I want to characterize my work as a different way of presenting Talavera, giving it an abstract touch that is filled with color, imbuing each piece with a more profound message. My designs touch the tradition of Mexico, its mysticism, and its beautiful animals.

“Dolores Hidalgo is very rich in the Talavera technique. This gave me a great advantage in learning. The materials that we work with are ceramic and enamels, and the forms for the base. The key was practicing over and over again. Discipline is the key for any dream.

“I feel a great gratification each time that a piece is sold. That is when I talk about the piece they like, which encourages me to create more colorful and unique designs.

“I would say that my talent is natural, since I have not had any formal studies to back up my technique. My objective is to establish my dreams and export my pieces for the world to know my work and be inspired by it. I am very touched by this alliance with NOVICA. I know that it is a great emotional path.”

Mexico Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore Mexico. You'll discover the rich artistic heritage drawn from the Maya, Olmec, Toltec, Zapotec, and Aztec civilizations, as well as the distinctive living folk art traditions of modern Mexico. From Taxco Silver Jewelry to intricate Huichol beadwork, and from handpainted Talavera-style pottery to handblown glassware and fantastical alebrijes, you will fall under the spell of magical Mexico.

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Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

6 items