Azariel Santantander Alcantara is a master potter, following in the footsteps of many generations of potters in his family near Trinidad, Cuba. He effortlessly creates pots one after another at a wheel that is power driven
First is a small cup
What at I first thought must be a candlestick holder,
But it actually turns out to be a sombrero!
And, making several different pieces first, a pitcher
And most amazing of all, a pot
And made separately, a lid that fit exactly!
Mr. Alcantara is 74 years old, and has won many awards. He tell us that his grandfather had owned a ceramic factory that employed 50 members of the family. In 1962, after the revolution large international businesses had been nationalized, but not yet the smaller, family owned businesses. His grandfather saw the handwriting on the wall and ‘gave’ the business to the state.
He was really smart, because after he gave the factory to the government, his grandfather continued to manage it, and all of his family members continued to be employed there! Now private businesses are again allowed, and, in his private studio, Mr. Alcantara employs several family members – and is teaching is great grandson to throw pots.
Trinidad, Cuba
4/8/18
Posted from Trinidad 4/11/18
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