CERAMICS IS MY EXCUSE FOR LEARNING TO BE PRESENT
And that is the transformation that the people in my workshop experience.
My name is Mercedes, and through Naru Alchemical Ceramics I teach people how to transform clay into unique works of art.
I am Argentine and have been living in Mallorca for 24 years.
Ten years ago, I began teaching pottery at various workshops and institutions until I was able to open my own studio in Palma, which allows me to witness the alchemical process at work in both the pieces and the people every day.
A LITTLE ABOUT MY BACKGROUND
Ever since I was little, I’ve always been fascinated by making things with my hands and sharing my experiences with others.
I used to dream of becoming a primary school teacher and making toys that didn’t make a mess… which is why I ended up with my hands in the clay. Due to life’s circumstances, I never attended any after-school clubs or craft workshops, but I was lucky enough to have my Grandma Amelia and my Dad Jorge, who taught me how to ‘make things with my hands’.
Although my sisters and I were a bit of a handful, our innate creativity was never stifled.
At the age of 22, I decided to move to Spain and worked in various sectors, until one day I threw myself back into clay. After years of learning as a student in workshops and also working alongside leading professionals, I honed my skills through self-teaching and, with great enthusiasm, humility and one small step at a time, we opened Naru Cerámica Alquímica.
Clay doesn’t lie.
When you’re nervous, the clay senses it. When your mind wanders, the piece goes awry. Working with it is a practice in mindfulness, patience and self-discovery. That’s why I called this project Naru Cerámica Alquímica. Naru means ‘to become’, and ‘alchemical’ because it requires the alchemy of the four Aristotelian elements (earth, air, fire and water) to transform clay into a piece of pottery.
Earth
The origin. The material. The raw material from which all possibilities spring.
Water
The one that gives it flexibility. The one that allows everything to give way.
Air
The one that dries it. The one that introduces time into the process.
Fire
The one who transforms. The one who turns clay into pottery for ever.
Tell me about your idea and let’s bring it to life together
If you have any questions about the workshops, would like to commission a piece, or are simply curious about what goes on in the workshop, please get in touch.
We’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as possible.