TORO CERÁMICA

MY STORY

From teacher to ceramist

My name is José Carlos Toro Fuentes. In 2015 I started studying Ceramics at the School of Art & Crafts in Motril. In this city I have been working as a French teacher since 2008.

I have been combining the two activities, but I made a firm decision, since January I am working full time in my studio, located in the garage of my family house in Huétor Tájar, 30 minutes far from Granada.

Last year, when cultural activities were suspended because of lockdown restrictions, I created [Retorno y Memoria]((https://loja.ideal.es/poniente/ceramica-inspirada-estados-20200716182037-nt.html#comments), my first art installation for the Museum of the Nasrid Tower in Huétor Tájar.

I have also organised several ceramic workshops in the area of Granada and I am receiving my first orders, mainly dinnerware pottery.

I am aware of the need to communicate my creative work with a professional and effective website in order to make a living, not only by creating timeless and functional pieces but also by sharing that Ceramic is an expression medium of my emotions.

MY GOALS

The first investment I made with my personal savings was for my pottery wheel and a small electric kiln. In order to fully develop my activity, I have set myself a realistic budget, which I want to achieve with your help.

ABOUT THE REWARDS

Ginkgo biloba

The history of ginkgo biloba is so captivating. Approximately 160 ginkgo trees survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and since then they have been a symbol of resilience. Every spring, the new leaves invite flaneurs to celebrate the change of season.

My contribution to the Verkami community is inspired on the shape of a ginkgo leaf, about 24 x 15 cm. Made in ivory stoneware from a 5mm slab. The decoration gives unique effects to each piece ; on the bisque-fired leaf I have applied some stains and a homemade glaze. The firing at 1250º brings different shades of blue, green and turquoise. Some transparencies allow the qualities of the material to be appreciated.

I also propose a 2 ginkgo leaves wall composition so that you can contemplate the effects of light on the glazed ceramic surface. They are made with an anchor so that they can be easily hung on the wall.

Wire and clay

The black or ivory stoneware tray is born directly from the contact of the cutting wire with the clay. This fortuitous or intentional gesture generates a subtle texture that invites you to touch and observe. When the piece is built, it is necessary to dry it perfectly to bisque fire at 950º, then I apply the homemade glaze and it is fired again at 1250º . The soft waves convey the calm of a zen garden or the breeze of a walk along the seashore....

Workshop at home

I will design a 3 hours workshop for 2 people. Hand or slab building, first contact with the pottery wheel ... I drive within a 70 km radius of my studio in Huétor Tájar.

Demonstrations in schools and associations

If you are a teacher, we could create together an activity of ceramics+french, ceramics+history or ceramics+art.

If you are a socio-cultural coordinator, we could design an activity to spread the local heritage and promote values through sustainability.

Some examples of rewards would be:

• Demonstration of ceramic technique (hand building or pottery wheel).

• Collaborative workshop where we design and build an art work for your school.

• Advice consulting on ceramic techniques for teachers.

Your contribution includes my travel with the tools and materials.

Approximate duration of 4 hours. I travel within a radius of 70km from Huétor Tájar (Granada), ask me about other destinations.

Tote bag

I have designed this bag from the textures of one of my ceramic leaf.

Thankful card

I will include a postcard with my sincere thanks in the order package.

Your name on a test tile

If you believe in my project, I will put your initials on a test tile; this way you will help me to build an extraordinary catalogue.

TIMETABLE FORESEEN

In June I will start to make deliveries, which I hope to finish in July. In any case, I will publish the evolution of the construction of the ceramic pieces in my social media so that you can follow the different stages of the process.

Concerning the demonstrations and workshops, we will arrange a date and time according to the chronological order of the contributions. I will travel within a radius of 70 km from Huétor Tájar, but don't hesitate to ask me about more distant destinations, I will adapt easily, especially along the Costa Tropical.

If you are a teacher and you want me to come to your school, we can plan the activity in collaboration with your department (French, History, Arts...).

Feel free to ask me for more information.

+ Info

You can follow me on:

INSTAGRAM: @toro.ceramica

FACEBOOK: toro fuentes josé carlos

PINTEREST: TOROCERAMICA

Some references in press:
Installation Return and Memory created during confinement
Ceramics against school dropout

NEWS

APRIL 2021

• Interview for local TV channel HT Telecom.
  Video on Facebook

• 959º biscuit fire for ceramic installation at IES Fray Luis de Granada.
  

  

• Ceramic exhibition of former students at Arts School in Motril.
  

• Talk about the creation of Retorno y Memoria.

• Pottery workshop for ceramic students in Motril.
  

  

• Workshop at Inusual bookshop in Granada (@libreriainusual) to celebrate the World Book Day. I thank Paula and Guillem for accepting my artistic proposal. Readers were able to see my ceramic rewards.

• Working with Isaakrea (@issakrea) from Huétor Tájar for the new ceramic jewellery collection.
  

MAY 2021

• Hilo y trama ceramic installation at the hall of IES Fray Luis high school in Granada.