Juan Ruíz Zárate

Santa Maria Atzompa, Oaxaca, México

Juan Ruíz Zárate is a Oaxacan ceramic artist who is famous for his enamel glazing on contemporary ceramic pieces. His primary focus is utilitarian art that can be used for food and drink. His mezcal cups are particularly popular  because the palettes are brilliant colors of enamel which results in a hard, durable inner surface, each one a little different, while the outside is enameled to meet a cup bottom of smoothed raw clay. These different textures offer the perfect contrast between glaze and clay, resulting in very attractive earthenware.

Juan has been invited to participate in many regional and national ceramic contests where his work has been judged to be of exceptional quality. He has exhibited his work throughout México, including the cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, Oaxaca de Juarez and other locations. Visitors to Oaxaca can find examples of his ceramics in major museums.