San Agustin, Oapan, Guerrero, México 

Rodrigo de la Cruz is an artisan from Oapan in the state of Guerrero. He is part of a family that has been making hand painted decorative pottery for five generations.  

The artisans from the region of Oapan are traditionalists, focused on only using natural pigments limiting the colors they use. The de la Cruz family makes unique pieces with the same techniques as their ancestors. They collect clay from the region and use trees and plants to create the pigments. The burning to finish the pieces is done in open air, with the use of organic fuels only. 

Rodrigo is mainly known for the creation of rustic figures of animals and people, and for his “aguadoras” and “canteros”, as well as other vessels in the form of “guages”. Decorations often include nativity scenes, birds and plants. Rodrigo has won several national awards, as have other members of his family. He is a nationally celebrated artisan in México, however due to the current problems afflicting the state of Guerrero, it is not easy to acquire his pieces.

As a collaboration with Heirlome, Mr. de la Cruz Cabrera recreated the decorative dress from his famous 'Reinas' or 'Queens' into a large print.