Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Luis Calderon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Luis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful project was the solo exhibition I created at the Tibes ceremonial ground in Ponce. I felt very close to my ancestors while I was planning and putting it together. It was called, Ancestral Ceramics, on April 29 2016 I created pottery using the clay and the methods of my ancestors and did the same pieces using modern methods and techniques. Showing the continuity and into modern times and how as indigenous people of today we can continue and still be native.

Luis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a Native person my work represents a continuity of my people and their ceramic arts. I got into ceramics when I was invited to take classes at a community Ceramics center in Ponce Puerto Rico. Once, I caught the bug I began to seriously attend classes with my teacher Eduardo Martinez. At the same time, I began taking advanced ceramics classes with Alice Chevere, who is a traditional ceramicist in the native tradition. I spent more than 5 years with both teachers. Finally ,I was told that I should get my artisan license if I would be interested in selling at fairs and activities. When I was given my artisan license from Fomento Industrial on November 24, 2008. This allows me to go and sell in fairs. I then attained my certification from the ICP Instituto cultural Puertorriqueno. This certifies me as a representative of of the islands artists. I received it on November 4, 2015.
My pieces represent the native Taino ceramic tradition of the islands of the Caribbean. The pieces show a continuity of what it would look like if our Native ceramicts would adopt modern methods and materials.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

What’s really rewarding is when someone is interested in buying and taking home one of my piece. I’m very happy when one of my tribal people are interested in my work. Whether it’s personal or online. I feel they are supporting a indigenous artist who is keeping alive the tradition.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In general society and people should support artists by buying their art. Here on the island, our artisan pieces do not apply a sales tax. So, they are cheaper economically. Also, local artists and artisans are organic we do not take the money out of the community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tureyquari?igsh=NXN1djJlanprZ2k1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beatnikpotter?mibextid=ZbWKwL