Centuries-old ceramic traditions set San Antonino Castillo Velasco, Oaxaca apart from other towns in this artful region, and its most distinctive resident sculptor is José García Antonio. A widely recognized master ceramist who lost his eyesight over the years, he passed his techniques onto son-in-law José Luis Reyes Martínez, who adds playfulness to each piece. Treasured by locals, coveted by collectors, the Martínez family shows and sells their work in an open courtyard space filled with ceramics, each drying, waiting for firing in the kiln. It’s all local, and all from the earth. “We use clay obtained directly from the soil near our village, remove the impurities and then crush it into a fine powder,” explains Martínez. “We then add water and knead the clay, to get the right consistency. We use the pointed end of an agave leaf for etching, and a smooth stone for burnishing.” All sculptures are formed by hand, with some details like braids and flowers made separately and then added to the main body of the piece later. Highly collectible as the blind master ceramicist ages, their works are found in local and national museums in Mexico and celebrated at the International Folk Art Museum.