Wild clay has sympathy for this Devil.
From her workshop in Leiria (Estremadura, Portugal), Andreia Pinho takes refuge from humankind to explore its most bizarre and grotesque side through wild clay.
Wild clay means that Andreia doesn't just buy her raw material or order it online. She harvests it by hand like a hidden gem in the seven corners of Portugal, venturing into secret spots we never dreamed existed.
So, what creature is this? Devil (informal). Disorderly person. Naughty child. This is a Portuguese dictionary translation for this extraordinary word: Mafarrico. But we are not satisfied with it. The essence is lost in translation.
The sound of the original word is scratchy, unexpected, rude, fun, and refers to rural mythology and all the kids we saw being baptized as mafarricos. Perhaps even ourselves. Perhaps even Andreia, the demiurgic ceramist who creates from earth and fire. Of course, she also relies on water and air to cool the pieces.
Andreia likes Lynch and Jodorowski, which are not exactly the references we are used to associating with art as traditional, calm, and discreet as figuration or pottery. For all cinephiles, the organic and the grotesque give her away. Who said art has to be comfortable? She is the closest thing there is to a punk ceramist.
Bizarre. Demonic. Unique. There is certainly an English word for Mafarrico, but Andreia's sculpture speaks for itself, from Leiria to anywhere in the world.
Frequently asked questions
What is this piece?
Mafarrico in wild clay by Andreia Pinho, in her Leiria workshop. An organic, grotesque sculpture made from earth gathered by hand in the Estremadura.
Which region is it from?
It comes from Estremadura, in Portugal. At Ra-Ro, every piece is tied to its origin and to the territory where it is made.
Who makes this piece?
It is made by Andreia Pinho, the producer Ra-Ro works with directly for this piece.
What technique is used?
This piece is made using the Olaria technique.
Are all pieces identical?
As a handmade piece, it may vary slightly from one example to another. That variation is part of its authenticity.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, Ra-Ro ships worldwide.
How do returns work?
You have 14 days for a free return.
Is payment secure?
Yes, all payments are processed securely and encrypted.
Diameter > 11 cm
Height > 21 cm
Handling
Due to the unique, handcrafted nature of this piece, please handle it with care to avoid accidental knocks or drops. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, as this can cause cracking.
Storage
If used for decorative purposes, use a dry cotton cloth or soft brush to remove dust.
Store in a safe place where it is protected from possible impacts.