THE DAY I MET OMAR, I HARDLY KNEW HIM YET. IT WAS PURE CHANCE THAT MY GAZE FELL ON HIS WORKSHOP JUST AS I HAD DECIDED I HAD SEEN ENOUGH BLACK CLAY WORKSHOPS AND CRAFTS. I ADMIT I WAS ALSO FEELING WEAK DUE TO THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE CANCER TREATMENT, SO I WAS SAD TO GIVE UP THE VISIT. BUT THAT HOUSE ON THE CORNER, COMPLETELY PAINTED BLACK, PIQUED MY CURIOSITY. HOW HAD I NOT NOTICED IT BEFORE? SO I DECIDED TO GO IN. THAT VISIT, FUELLED BY CURIOSITY, OPENED MY EYES AND MIND: I MET SOMEONE WHO SEES EVERYTHING WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE. DRIVEN BY LOVE FOR HIS WORK AND NEW IDEAS, OMAR ELEVATES HIS ANCESTRAL LEGACY TO THE LEVEL OF ART.
Omar’s Story
It was midday in San Bartolo Coyotepec, the town was beaten by the blazing sun and dust. My friend Tania, Fer and I had already toured several workshops with the typical black clay crafts from Oaxaca. I was feeling weak due to my extreme anemia and it was hard for me to admit I had to give up the visit to go eat and rest. I told myself “whatever, I had anyway seen enough workshops and black clay for today”… Just as we were about to grab some lunch before heading out, I noticed a house entirely painted black on the opposite corner. Clearly, it was a workshop we hadn’t seen before.
As soon as we entered, it felt like rediscovering black clay. The designs were a reinvention; everything was special. “You agree this isn’t typical; this is design,” Tania said to me. The further we went in, the more we were impressed: the shapes were bolder, the sizes bigger, the designs more creative. Even the way the clay was used was different: I saw it on walls, floors, paintings and even urns.
At that moment, a young man hurried past; it was Omar Fabián, one of the three brothers who own the workshop and the author of these innovative pieces.
My curiosity was fully awake, so I asked him a question that sparked an inspiring conversation:
“In all the years I’ve been buying black clay, I’ve never seen it applied like this. Are these your ideas?”
At first, he was very polite but seemed not particularly interested. “Thanks,” he responded, somewhat surprised, “yes, these are my designs.”
“This goes beyond tradition. What has brought you to this point?”
I realised I had now caught his attention, perhaps because he sensed that my interest was genuine. That’s when the conversation began. He spoke of his family legacy, with over three generations of black clay artisans. He also mentioned his design studies at the University of Oaxaca. How he had combined his heritage, knowledge, and curiosity to challenge the limits of what was “possible.” While respecting the teachings of past generations, he improved the quality of the finishes and applied his design knowledge to create new forms. He experimented with new techniques, formats, and applications.
Bringing Ideas to Life
In this way, he contributed to the development of the family workshop. As he grew as an artisan, so did the projects he took on. “I started accepting commissions from hotels, restaurants, and museums. They would ask me, for example, to create a mural installation of giant ants, a large niche decorated with butterflies in flight, or a hotel bar with geometric ‘tiles’.” The challenge wasn’t just the visual design. How do you bring those ideas to life? Black clay is fragile, but delicate shapes must withstand installation, transport, and temperature changes. Those new requirements led me to experiment with novel techniques and approaches.”
Exploring Limits
I couldn’t help but see a parallel with the ups and downs of life in the face of adversity, something I’ve personally experienced since my cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, you find yourself in an unexpected situation that forces you to develop new skills. And to do so, you must draw on both what you’ve been taught and what you’ve learned yourself.
“Not everything can turn out perfect. Do it again, try again, until it works.” Omar Fabián
Omar also faces moments of difficulty, which generate uncertainty. Yet there’s an inner drive in him, a confidence in the future. Perhaps it’s the belief in his ability to navigate uncertainty and find solutions, to generate new ideas. His love for the craft he inherited and his creativity are his strength, though he may not say it explicitly, it’s clear to see.
Over some water and mezcal, Omar and I shared experiences and came to the conclusion that this is how we’ll continue. Facing fear, with confidence. You might feel sad or tired at times, but deep down, you’re not afraid. You know the solution will come, and you trust the force that moves you.
Life Force isn’t something grand, as my conversation with Omar reminded me. It manifests itself in simple ways, like knowing how to see the world with a fresh pair of eyes. Just like children do. Now I understand that, on that day, Omar recognised in my curiosity the same curiosity that drives him in everything he does.
Now tell me, what helps you navigate uncertainty? Do you recognize creative force in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Do you not recognize this Life Force in your own story, or do you feel like you have lost yours?
Let me know, I am a message away
