July Guest Artist Highlight: kaory santillán bueno
kaory santillán bueno
What Lands Do They Come From & Honor?
kaory santillán bueno is an indigenous (wixarika and na’ayari) scholar and transdisciplinary artist with an affinity for clay. she was born in tepic, nayarit, mexico and migrated to los angeles as a young child.
What Inspires Their Art?
their art is informed by their cultural background and personal experiences. her work, research, and areas of study include identity formation, media representation, and environmentalism. their art incorporates traditional techniques mixed with modern thought and applications
Their Art Background:
they are graduate of the university of california, berkeley completing a dual degree in media studies and art practice.
their work has been featured in notable exhibitions, including:
worth ryder art gallery (berkeley, ca.)
berkeley art center (berkeley, ca.)
marin museum of contemporary art (novato, ca.)
works/san josé (san jose,ca.)
palo alto art center (palo alto, ca.)
opalka gallery (albany, ny.)
What Are They Working On Now?
In 2024, they were an inaugural climate art fellow for the city of san jose, california , researching sustainable and circular practices in ceramics to develop and implement modified practices through alternative glazing and firing techniques.
What Workshops Is Kaory Offering?
We are so excited to be collaborting with kaory , especially in the month of Plastic Free July!
In each workshop they invite participants into deeply intentional workshops that blend traditional craft, sustainability, and personal reflection. Each offering is rooted in cultural practice and a commitment to honoring land, memory, and material.
♻️ To-Go Cups & Tumblers: Ceramics for Sustainability
This workshop explores sustainability through clay. Participants will build their own reusable “to-go” cups or tumblers using handbuilding techniques—from free-form shaping to structured templates. The session includes customization with texture, sgraffito, stencils, and more. Beyond making, participants will discuss low-waste materials and local alternatives to help shift away from single-use plastics.
What You'll Do:
Create a functional, reusable cup
Learn surface design techniques
Explore sustainable studio practices
🌑 New Moon & Altar Spaces
This workshop honors the creation of sacred, personal ritual objects. Through a variety of handbuilding techniques, participants will craft items such as incense holders, offering bowls, and nature-inspired sculptures. Rooted in cultural teachings and ancestral wisdom, this space encourages intentional creation and invites conversation around altar practices and spiritual grounding.
What You'll Do:
Reflect on ancestral knowledge and personal ritual
Sculpt meaningful, reverent objects
Learn about altar-making across cultures
🔮 Bead & Clay: A Special Workshop on Material and Tradition
In this one-of-a-kind session, Kaory introduces participants to chaquira (glass seed beads) and their integration into ceramics. Drawing inspiration from Wixarika (Huichol) art traditions, the workshop blends beadwork, texture, and cold finishes with ceramic forms. Participants will learn alternative glazing applications and how to merge ancestral craft with contemporary clay work.
What You'll Do:
Experiment with beads and ceramic textures
Learn about Wixarika bead traditions
Explore alternative surface techniques
Join one of our Guest Artist Workshops below!
July 2025 with kaory santillán bueno
Hope to see you all creating your Tumbler and learning beading with Kaory this month!
Much love,
Kelly Elizabeth
Artillery AG + Ceramics Steward & Mindful Ceramics Instructor
