Ceramica Primitiva: Ceramics with Caracter
In a world dominated by mass production and artificial perfection, the works of ceramic artist Paco Romero and his Ceramica Primitiva stand as a symbol of appreciation for simplicity and nature. His artworks are a tribute to the timeless beauty of handmade art.
Textured, raw surfaces are the hallmark of Paco Romero's Ceramica Primitiva.
It is a craft almost as old as the earth of the island he has made his home: Paco Romero, a Mallorcan by choice, creates true works of art from ceramics in his studio in a picturesque mountain village on Mallorca. His style is quite different from the traditional ceramic craft of the Mediterranean island and his brand, Ceramica Primitiva, is just as original and at the same time artistic, as the name already indicates. Thus, the 38-year-old creates his products exclusively from natural materials, while organic shapes, natural hues and raw surfaces without glaze characterise his work. His trademark: All creations are made without a wheel and are shaped by hand from scratch.
To create the unique patterns and surfaces, the artist mixes different types of earthenware and combines them with porcelain for the white hue, for example, or with iron oxide for the red colour. This results in natural surfaces and nuances, because it is important to him to return to the roots of the craft with his art. These subtle nuances remind us of the origin of the materials and give his objects a unique authenticity. At the same time, it seems as if his objects have a magical patina due to the raw surface. "That's what I want to achieve with my work," explains Paco Romero, "this originality, this unique patina, that's my passion."
Each piece that Paco Romero creates is unique.
A white shade is created by mixing in porcelain.
But he landed on the subject of ceramics by chance, the likeable artist smiles during the interview. During his studies at the "Escuela de Arte y Superior de Diseño de Alicante", he unfortunately had no opportunity to work with the original material. It was only later, during an internship in Barcelona, that he fell in love with handicrafts and working with clay, loam and ceramics under the guidance of his then professor. To get to where he is today, however, it took many years of experimentation.
Many things were broken, Paco Romero laughs, until he found out which combinations of earth and oxide had to be fired for how long and at what temperatures in his gas kiln - his technique is not possible with electricity. Ceramics need time, the creative head explains, because each product has to go into the kiln twice. First for 6 hours to dry completely, followed by a second round of 10 hours at 1280 degrees. In both rounds, it is very important to know how quickly the temperature can be increased, otherwise the objects will break.
Ceramics is his passion: artisan Paco Romero.
In this way, beautiful one-offs are created, a piece of art made to last for many years, which is already unique in its production - and appeals especially to people with a preference for the unusual. The clientele of his "Decorativa" series are usually interior designers, architects or art collectors, for whom he often works on commission. His works can already be admired in various restaurants with international clientele - on the mainland as well as on the island. But private customers are also looking for special objects for their homes from Paco Romero's studio. The organic look of his objects not only fits in perfectly with the spirit of the times, but the works of art can also be combined perfectly with timelessly elegant furniture, such as a Minotti sofa.
In addition to his focus on this series, the creative mind offers products for use in the "Utilitaria" collection. In contrast to the decorative ones, these are the only ones that are finished with a glaze. Necessary for this use, but actually Paco Romero prefers the clay in its original and raw form. Just like the earthenware he uses, which comes partly from the mainland and partly from the earth on the island itself. Above all, the special nuances are created with Mallorca's mineral resources. Thus Paco Romero combines the best of both parts of the country in his work - and enjoys the inspiration that Mallorca offers him.
The forms of Paco Romero's works are inspired by nature.
Ceramica Primitiva's creations attract all eyes – not only in the private sphere.
A unique patina that reflects the spirit of the times is inherent in Ceramica Primitiva pieces.
The rawness and organic nature of Ceramica Primitiva combines wonderfully with timelessly elegant pieces of furniture such as a Minotti sofa.
Images Paco Romero
Words Christina Noli
We are very pleased to be the only exclusive partner in Switzerland to offer you the works of Paco Romero's Ceramica Primitiva in our range in Zurich and Erlenbach.
We are also happy to have custom-made products made for you. Ask our staff, we will be happy to help you.