Just north of Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a small studio draws on ancient Peruvian traditions. The town of Urubamba is home to Ceramicas Seminarios, a workshop founded by husband and wife Pablo Seminario and Marilú Behar in 1980. For decades, the pair and their team have been crafting sculptures, functional wares, and decorative objects rooted in the culture of the valley.
As a child, Seminario was fascinated by huacos, pre-Columbian ceramic works often utilized for Andean rituals and ceremonies rather than everyday life. This interest developed throughout his university years and beyond, as he researched the various techniques and designs that characterized Peru’s ancient cultures. Seminario and Behar ultimately teamed up to collaborate on a unique method that approached these enduring practices through a contemporary lens. “It is not about reproducing the past but about engaging in dialogue with it,” says Kusi Seminario Behar, the artists’ son who now collaborates with his parents.
Today, the studio’s team of about 25 produces a range of objects in the “Seminario Style,” one defined by a sculptural impulse, etched linework, and local materials. “We apply the same level of care and rigor to all pieces,” Seminario Behar says. “Many of our utilitarian pieces have a strong sculptural quality, and several of the more artistic works originate from everyday forms and functions. We do not establish rigid boundaries between these categories; all are part of the same vision.”
Materials are sourced from within Peru to maintain the integrity of the practice, and the artisans helm each part of the process, from clay preparation to hand-building and throwing on a wheel to refining and painting. “Firing the pieces is a carefully controlled process. In more complex works, there is internal engineering: carefully calculated joints, slow drying times, and precise planning to prevent cracks and ensure structural stability,” Seminario Behar adds.
In addition to selling their works, Ceramicas Seminarios also taps into the local tourism industry and educational opportunities like Murmur Ring’s immersion program to support its mission. These twin pillars provide financial backing and visibility. “Sharing these techniques and making their complexity visible is essential so that they are not lost, and people can truly appreciate the work behind each piece,” Seminario Behar says. “It allows us to sustain the project, broaden its reach, and continue researching and producing long-term.”
Find available pieces on Etsy, and follow the project on Instagram.
