Maria Jose & Maria Del Mar

Twin ceramists Maria Del Mar and Maria Jose Rincon, born in Colombia currently residing in Miami Florida. The Miami based sisters have been collaborating on their project titled Ayasham with a purpose to reconnect to their ancestral roots utilizing clay as their primary medium. They have studied sculpting techniques from western and traditional indigenous practices and have merged these two styles as a statement of migration and the intertwining of two cultures. Material plays a big role in the concept of returning to the root and remembrance of the ancient ones. Utilizing all the earth elements such as Terra-Cotta clay (earth), water during the process of sculpting, and fire when going through the kiln. The Marias have traveled extensively through South America to gather material and knowledge that is used in their sculptural work. Their connection to the land and their Muisca ancestry fuels their desire to decolonize and bring exposure to a culture that has been buried and almost forgotten. The sisters pay homage to their culture by treating each sculpture as an offering to those who came before them and to the many indigenous communities who continue to advocate for their rights.

What is Ayasham?

Ayasham is a word we came up with that symbolizes protection, healing, abundance, and spiritual connection. This name derives from the words Ayahuasca and Shaman. Ayahuasca meaning the rope of the spirits because it is the link between the underworld and the spiritual.This sacred medicinal vine is found in the Amazon Rain forest. It is used for healing spiritual and karmic traumas and guides the spirit into a state of consciousness and rebirth. The shaman is the medicine man, one who heals and guides the ceremonies through his chants. These elements are a big part of our work, through sculpting we find healing and guidance. As well as a journey of remembrance to a forgotten practice and teachings of our ancestors.