A small studio in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, north of Cusco, draws on ancient Peruvian traditions. The town of Urubamba is home to Ceramicas Seminarios, a studio founded in 1980 by Pablo Seminario and Marilu Behar. For decades, the couple and their team have been crafting sculptures, functional implements and decorative objects rooted in the valley’s culture.
As a child, Seminario was fascinated by WacosPre-Columbian ceramic pieces were often used in Andean rituals and ceremonies rather than in everyday life. This interest developed during his college years and beyond as he studied various technologies and designs of ancient Peruvian cultures. Seminario and Behar eventually joined forces to develop a unique approach to approaching these enduring practices through a contemporary lens. “It’s not about recreating the past, it’s about having a dialogue with it,” said Kusi Seminario Behar, the artist’s son, who is now collaborating with his parents.
Today, the studio’s team of about 25 people produces a series of “workshop-style” objects, a style defined by sculptural impulses, etched lines and local materials. “We apply the same level of care and rigor to all our work,” says Seminario Behar. “Many of our utilitarian pieces have a strong sculptural quality, while some of the more artistic pieces emerge from everyday form and function. We don’t establish strict boundaries between these categories; it’s all part of the same vision.”
Materials are sourced from within Peru to maintain the integrity of the practice, with artisans controlling every part of the process, from clay preparation to hand-building and throwing on the wheel to refining and painting. “Firing these parts is a carefully controlled process. In the more complex pieces, there is internal engineering: carefully calculated joints, slow drying times and precise planning to prevent cracks and ensure structural stability,” adds Seminario Behar.
In addition to selling its work, Ceramicas Seminarios leverages local tourism and educational opportunities, such as the Murmur Ring’s immersive programs, to support its mission. These two pillars provide financial support and visibility. “It is crucial to share these techniques and make their intricacies visible so that they are not lost and people can truly appreciate the work behind each piece,” said Seminario Behar. “It allows us to sustain the project, expand its scope, and continue long-term research and production.”
Find available pieces on Etsy and follow the project on Instagram.
