20.6752° N, 103.3473° W

Ceramics with Soul from Jalisco

Tonalá, Jalisco, has been a cradle of ceramic artistry since pre-Hispanic times. The indigenous Tonalteca people crafted polished clay forms inspired by nature, a tradition that evolved with Spanish influences into the distinctive styles we see today.

In 2018, Ana Paula Isaac established her studio in this historic town, blending ancient techniques with contemporary design. Her creations, made from locally sourced volcanic stoneware, are hand-thrown and often left unglazed, celebrating the raw beauty of the clay. The natural speckled tones—earthy browns, soft grays, and muted whites—reflect the region's landscape.

Embracing Imperfection

Guided by Wabi-sabi philosophy, Ana Paula's work honors the beauty in imperfection and transience. Each piece invites a slower, more intentional rhythm of life, turning everyday rituals into meaningful experiences.

How It’s Made

  • Volcanic stoneware clay, rich in minerals, sourced from the surrounding terrain
  • Hand-thrown on the wheel, guided by instinct rather than templates
  • Often left raw to let the clay's natural texture and color shine
  • Fired in small batches over several days to achieve strength and unique tonal variations

Why It Lives Here

These ceramics bring a quiet calm to the table, grounding spaces with their unforced elegance. They serve as a reminder that powerful objects don’t need to shout—they just need to let us feel. At Esas Mesas, we were drawn to Ana Paula’s reverence for process—her pieces remind us that beauty often lies in restraint, in things left raw, and in rituals we build slowly.

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