Etxea

Etxea Vase*
H.14.3cm ∅13.7cm
French stoneware and Bardos wild clay glaze - 1280°


Etxea means house in basque and traduces a connection, the attachment with a place. The story of the vase exhibited is about grounding and relation with earth and culture. I’m from the western region of Brazil and moved to the Basque Country 6 years ago. The feelings and memories of my childhood are always present in my life, interacting and changing my perception of the paths I’m taking. Here in the Basque countryside where I chose to live, I discovered the fertility of the soil and the beauty to build something with my own hands. Digging my backyard and understanding the meaning of belonging to somewhere. This vase has a part of my home in it. The details which cover the piece are made of wild clay from my land in the Basque Country. Bardos is a small and beautiful village near the coast, surrounded by mountains and valleys. I found this clay in the backyard of this old farm from the end of the XVIII century, where two sisters used to live, taking care of and owned this piece of land. With my wild clay collection, I wanted to share a piece of my home, a part of my life. If you are reading this text you can understand the value of owning such a meaningful piece. All the parts of the making process as digging, purifying and filtering, make this piece precious and unique in each element. I invite you to feel the sweet power of this territory. The strong wind and the ancient roots. The history and the culture of this land...Feel welcome to be a part of this journey, this small part of me is now yours too.

*unique piece