Artist Highlight: Jose J. Pita Vazquez

Bakehouse artist Jose Pita in his studio. Photo by Pedro Wazzan.

Jose J. Pita Vazquez was born in a small town called La Palma, located between the mountains of Sierra de Los Organos, Cuba. Gifted with artistic talent at a young age, he came to prominence after several notable gallery shows in Cuba. He moved to the United States in 2006 to pursue the American Dream and to grow as a professional artist. He has been in residence at Bakehouse Art Complex since 2016.

Can you tell us about your artistic practice?

I consider myself a ceramic artist, but also work in sculpture more broadly. I primarily work with clay and am thematically interested in anything industrial. I like to use materials that are not traditionally used, especially in combination with other common materials such as wood and metal.

Tell us about a personal artistic project or body of work that you are currently excited about.

This summer, I will be working on a series of artworks that deal with the human form. I have never included any human or animal forms in my compositions, so I am excited to try this. While my work will still include the industrial theme, it will now also have this new twist.  

Tell us about how you have developed as an artist since you began working at Bakehouse. 

I have grown professionally, and I continue to grow since I joined Bakehouse. My ideas and art style is constantly nurtured by what I see other artists are doing. When I first moved in, I was one of a handful of ceramic artists here, but now I am happy to see that there are now many other Bakehouse artists who are also working in ceramic in all kinds of styles and themes.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Bakehouse community?

I enjoy the tight community we have. We are always there for each other, and that is something I have not seen anywhere else.