José Antonio Gómez

Communicating through clay

• José Antonio learned the trade from his father, a master potter
• His desire to learn and innovate has been his best motivation
• He creates ceramic pieces that are both functional and aesthetic

José Antonio Gómez speaks through his ceramics. He creates either series or unique designs for renowned artists. In 2019, his reproduction of designer Miguel Milá’s jug was a finalist in the XII Craftsmanship Awards of Spain. At the age of 20, after returning from military service, José Antonio realized he wanted to be a potter and have his own business. At first, he shared a workshop with two craftswomen. Later, he and his father, Antonio Gómez Alcaide, set up their own: 'Gómez y Gómez Artesanos'. Today, in Caldes de Montbui, Catalonia, he continues to provide a high-quality service to his customers, never forgetting that his best expressive possibilities lie in the clay and in the traditional pieces he makes.

Interview

©Quim Dasquens

©Quim Dasquens

Why did you choose this trade?

I chose pottery by vocation. My father, Antonio Gómez Alcaide, is a Master Potter and taught me the trade. I have always been passionate about ceramics. It is a pleasure that, despite the new technologies, people acknowledge my more traditional work and still value my pieces.

How does your work relate to the place where you live?

I live in Caldes de Montbui, a town in the north-east of Spain renowned for its Roman thermal baths and artists. Manolo Hugué, a famous sculptor of the 20th century and a close friend of Pablo Picasso, lived here. In the Hugué museum we are lucky to have, besides his works, a collection of ceramic pieces by Picasso. All this makes people have great respect for ceramics.

How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?

I always try to remember my strong traditional pottery backgrounds, where I come from and what I want with this craft. I like to try new techniques, shapes and designs in some pieces. These are the ones I regularly show in exhibitions.

What is your main advice for a young artisan who wants to do the same work as you?

Working either with your hands, the clay or the potter's wheel requires a lot of discipline, courage and dedication. You also have to enjoy making each ceramic piece. To master the craft, you need to truly commit and have a strong sense of perseverance.

José Antonio Gómez is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1982

Works

©Quim Dasquens

©Quim Dasquens

©Quim Dasquens

©Quim Dasquens

Where