Old World Pottery of Wichita Falls

We are back! Yes, it has been a long time since we last posted something unique and beautiful, but we have been busy building up our online presence in various social media. As such, let me introduce to you guys our new sites:

I'm excited to announce that Old World Pottery will be featured at the Wichita County Heritage Society Provenance Fair this year at 3100 Hamilton Dr, April 14th from 10-4. Although the Tour of Homes is a paid event, the Provenance Fair is open to the public. So I encourage everyone to stop by and say hi!

Just a few pictures from last year's event.

Situated far south in Mexico, the culturally rich state of Oaxaca is one of the leading producers of handcrafted artwork. Although known for their unusual Barro Negro Pottery, black clay pottery with a semi gloss finish, there is second type of pottery that is seldom seen but highly in demand due to their Mediterranean style and extreme durability. Initially used as water catchers, their durability starts with the type of composition within the clay that allows it to bake at higher temperatures compared to their counterparts in Guadalajara and Guanajuato. This allows the pottery to dry faster, not holding so much moisture. In addition to their durability, their Mediterranean style is due to a lack of finish (paint job). Instead, the pottery is left natural, with the only color due to the baking process. They are not very complex pottery, but it allows them to be a supporting actor to the real star, that being whatever you plant in them.

Looking at the definition of "reasonable" and "fair," it would be hard to make a distinction between the two. Reasonable is defined as having sound judgment; fair and sensible. Fair is defined as in accordance with the rules or standards; legitimate. However, when used as adverbs to describe pricing points of Mexican Pottery and Metal Artwork, it becomes a marketing trick that creates a very distinct difference that can alter how you view these specific products.

Recently, I read a story from a business owner, not of Hispanic heritage, who talked about carrying products that are similar to mine (they absolutely are not). What struck me was a comment he made, describing his Mexican pottery and metal artwork  By describing handcrafted art work as "reasonably priced," I read it as degrading an artist's hard work and creativity as insignificant and cheapens the product as a mass produced product you would throwaway and re-buy seasonally. Lastly, it's not specifically mentioned, but as a person of Hispanic heritage, I read it as an affront to a creatively rich Mexican culture.

This is unacceptable. I will NEVER advertise my pottery and garden decor as "reasonably priced." Rather, I advertise my products as fairly priced. Fairly priced places importance in the artist who sweats and toils to create something unique with a creative intelligence coupled with their physical capability. It places significance in a quality product, one that is meant to last longer than a season. A product that you share experiences with. A product that is not seen as a mass produced product, but as something truly unique. Additionally, as it is important to me, it teaches my clientele about a culture they may have little knowledge of.

I want to believe he did not mean to disparage my heritage; however, I do believe that he has a lack of respect for the products he buys, because he buys low quality products and believes that is indicative of my heritage. I show an appreciation for the products and respect for the artist, because I have seen what they do to make these beautiful pieces of art. It's this knowledge coupled with quality products that has set my business apart. Ultimately, that respect proceeds towards my clientele, for whom I would not be in this position to run a business that is unique as mine.

Sincerely,

Saul Ramos
Owner
Old World Pottery of Wichita Falls