"I'm always looking for new techniques to improve quality and create new forms and styles."

These are the words of Javier Servin. If you hold one of his many objects in your hand and feel the delicate surface, we know exactly what these words mean. Since there is now some 30 years the factory Javier Servin in Guanajuato. Three decades to perfect the quality of the special high-fire ceramics.

It all began in Mexico City. Javier was a student of architecture. To earn his living, he worked in a ceramics factory, which produced high-fire ceramics. The handling of the material, the possibilities of shaping and coloring prepared Javier much joy. It did not take long and the study of architecture was a minor matter. Today, on the grounds of his parents' house a factory, which translate into about 30 people, the ideas of Javier.

The manufacturing process begins with the mixing of water, clay, feldspar, kaolin and silica. These muddy mix must rest for several days or age. Thereafter, the viscous mass in the various forms of cups, bowls, boxes, etc. filled. Gradually, the particles sit on the floor and the walls. After the deposited water was poured off, the plaster mold can be opened. Finish the raw form. Depending on the size of the object, it must dry for one to ten days.

The plaster mold ...	... after shaping

Then the interior of the object is glazed. Thus the object receives after the fire a smooth inner surface and thus can be easily cleaned after use. It also increases the icing on the water resistance of the object, which is given by the high-fire anyway.

Then glaze the...	... interior walls

It follows the time-consuming and labor-intensive part of the process, the surface ornamentation. For now the object using a pencil with a fine mesh is provided. This network facilitates the application of geometric patterns such as crosses, lines and curves. For patterns and colors, there are no templates. This alone is responsible for the artistic freedom and creativity of the decorator. Using small balloon spray should be applied, the pigments of a steady hand.

Painting the grid	The painting

Finally follows the high-fire. Six to seven hours to burn the items at 1260 ° C. The pores are closed and the pieces make the item waterproof. Additionally characterized by properties such as microwave and dishwasher resistance to the high quality of ceramics. In addition, the decor is scratch resistant. Numerous national and international awards Javier Servin could answer so far: 1. 1986 10th place National Performance Competition for Ceramics 1994 "National Craft Work" Award 1999/2000 "The Ibero-American Craft Work Sample" But the greatest honor Javier Servin is given this year, as dozens of baubles from his factory will adorn the Christmas tree at the Vatican Pontifical.

Is painting the	... baubles