The Sinkhole Vessels were crafted by the Mateo Family: Dorotea, Alberta, Macrina, Angelina, Elia and Amalia, a group of highly skilled ceramists who inherited ancestral techniques that are deeply embedded in the local culture.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process1.jpg?4576)
Foam models were documented and sent to the ceramists in Tlapazola, Oaxaca.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process2.jpg?4576)
Bi-dimensional drawing were translated with the aid of measured wooden sticks.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process3.jpg?4577)
Alberta and Dorotea mold the vessels using the 'cone' technique.
The clay is molded on plates balanced on rocks and then spun by hand.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process4.jpg?4578)
Basic tools, such as leather and corn cobs, are used for shaping and spinning the clay.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process5.jpg?4579)
The shape of the vessels is refined while the clay is drying.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process6.jpg?4580)
Once the pieces were dried and fired for a first time,
a second open fire was made to blacken out the vessels.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process7.jpg?4583)
The tones and gradients of each vessel were controlled by
exposing them directly to the flame or the burning ashes.
The 'blackening' process lasts approximately one hour.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process8.jpg?4583)
Each wooden frame was custom made to embrace and support each vessel.
![Liliana Ovalle, The Sinkhole Vessels](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0702/0437/files/sinkhole_process9.jpg?4584)
Final fitting of the ceramic pieces into the oak frames.
This content was originally posted on LilianaOvalle.com.
All photos and texts were courtesy of the artist and Colectivo 1050°.