At Esas Mesas, we often speak of the "spirit of the object"—the invisible energy that resides in a piece of clay or a length of fiber. Rarely is that spirit more palpable than in the work of Camila Apaez, the visionary behind Guadalajara-based Ila Cerámica.

Camila doesn’t just make ceramics; she translates the human form into functional sculpture. Her work stands at the rare intersection of ancestry, modern design, and personal healing.

For Camila, the creative process is anything but linear. It is a dance—literally. Influenced by her background in dance and somatic practices, she approaches her materials with a sense of "deep listening." While many ceramicists begin with a rigid sketch, Camila allows her references—from the photography of Bill Brandt to the organic sculptures of Barbara Hepworth—to work through her as she engages with the clay. "The material is so kind," Camila shares. "It teaches you about patience and time in every step of the process."

The collection at Esas Mesas highlights this intersection of sculpture and function through several emblematic works:

• The Gravedad Sculpture: Embodying the studio’s exploration of balance and presence, its open arches and rounded geometry play with light and shadow.
• The Diosa Vase: Part of a series inspired by feminine silhouettes and timeless archetypes, capturing both strength and elegance.
• The Anatomía Sutil & The Gravedad Vessel: These sculptures showcase the studio’s signature minimalist aesthetic. Their open arches and rounded geometry play with light and shadow, evoking a sense of purity and minimalist aesthetic.
• The Portal Vessel: A piece that functions as both a contemplative object and a statement of modern artistry.

To own a piece of Ila Cerámica is to own a moment of balance. It is a reminder that the objects we live with should be as intentional, as resilient, and as beautiful as the hands that made them.