Appreciating the “Work” in Artwork: Handmade Ceramics from San Vicente de Nicoya, Costa Rica

Abstract

AbstractArtisans in San Vicente de Nicoya, Costa Rica, sustain a pottery industry partially inherited from ancient traditions but greatly developed over the past three decades, hand‐in‐hand with a rise in tourism. Contemporary ceramics change aesthetically as individual artisans instill their own sense of beauty in their work and discern the preferences of buyers. However, few tourists and collectors assess the labor that goes into each stage of manufacture. Community members are trying to create an environment in which ceramics sell for a price that at least covers the material investments and hours of labor, while instilling a greater appreciation of the art form, its history, and the artisans themselves. In this photo essay, I propose photography as one of the many ways that an ecomuseum can educate visitors and help promote a “fair trade” environment.