Jose Luis Yamunaque -- Ceramic Sculptor

Jose Luis Yamunaque was born in the village of Chulucanas, in Northern Peru in 1951. He learned the ways of the Pre-Columbian ceramic tradition from his father. He realized his formal studies at the National School of Ceramics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He later attended the Stituto Statal de Sesto Florentino in Florence, Italy. His studies there included working with the master, Salvatore Cipolla. Yamunaque eventually came to the United States, and studied with sculptor Carlos Dorrien at Wellesley College.

Jose Luis Yamunaque and his wife, Florencia, visited Marstons Mills East Horace Mann Charter School on Friday, December 10, 2004. Sr. Yamunaque created a decorative vessel for the enraptured Grade 4 students and then completed one for the Grade 3 students. A slide presentation of his artwork including sculptures elicited ooh's and aah's from mesmerized students.

The two grade levels had recently completed their own clay pieces and their first-hand knowledge of clay and its complexities permitted a respectful and more in-depth understanding of techniques and tools.