Sculpting Dreams : The Art of Yari Montes
“In my studio, I become a better person. That’s what the clay does for me, it makes me a better person,” Yari Montes.
In the mountainous city of Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, known for its rich cultural tapestry in the Mixteca Alta, Yari Montes grew up in a childhood marked by family and tradition. Yari’s early influences were shaped by the diverse talents of her grandfather, who dabbled in everything from natural medicine to carpentry. “My grandfather was always involved in natural medicine, and he farmed, did carpentry, and was a mason—he pretty much did everything. I think that influenced my career a lot,” Yari recalls.
Yari Montes is an artist who excels in sculpture, painting, and jewelry design. Her multifaceted approach allows her to explore various mediums, blending techniques and influences from her rich cultural background. Each piece she creates reflects her deep connection to her heritage, as well as her personal experiences and artistic vision.
“Every time I work on a piece, I try to add something extra,” she explains. This drive to go beyond the surface reflects her grandfather’s influence, as Yari strives to incorporate elements like wood or feathers into her work, creating a deeper connection to nature and tradition. Meanwhile, her grandmother provided a nurturing home environment, her culinary skills leaving a lasting impression on the family dynamic.
Growing up in a large family meant that summers were filled with activity and laughter, with around twenty cousins playing in the yard. “We often went camping, made our own kites, and gathered materials in the fields,” Yari fondly remembers. Her father was instrumental in fostering creativity, while her mother, a hard worker, ensured that Yari had opportunities to explore her artistic inclinations, enrolling her in painting classes at the Casa de la Cultura.
Yari recalls her childhood filled with colorful books and the joy of discovering painting. “I loved creating so many colors from primary ones,” she says, capturing the essence of those formative years. The freedom she experienced as a child remained a crucial influence. “My family supported that freedom, and there were few limits on my exploration,” Yari shares.
Cleansing rituals and natural medicine, integral to her heritage, became sources of inspiration. “We had a healer come to perform cleansings for us every month, and my grandfather had his own healer. Those mystical experiences left a strong impression on me,” she adds.
Reflecting on the meaning of her artistic creations, Yari shares, “I like to think there’s a message being conveyed. Art has become my backbone.” It all stems back to childhood experiences. “There was a time when I was a child that I dedicated myself to drawing; I remember drawing a lot. I loved photography and was very interested in colors, especially those found in nature, the textures, and the colors of the earth. At some point, that connection broke, and I didn’t recover it until I was much older. When I found it again, I never let it go. For me, art is my structure; it’s how I communicate with others, it’s my way of dialoguing with the world, with family, and with friends. Thanks to art, I’ve found a way of living that brings me a lot of satisfaction. It’s not easy, but it keeps me feeling alive,” Yari shares.
Growing up in Mexico, where academic achievement is highly valued, Yari initially faced skepticism about her passion for art. “At first, my mom was a bit uncertain,” she recalls, noting her mother’s concerns about the practicality of an artistic career. Despite this initial resistance, Yari’s determination shone through. After completing her degree in Industrial Design and working in the field for a few years, she decided to fully embrace her passion for art.
“I was a bit stubborn,” she admits, acknowledging the complexities of her decision. “It was complicated—It still is in some ways—but I didn’t give up.” Today, she finds her greatest joy in working with ceramics, a medium that allows her to express herself creatively. “What I love most is working with ceramics,” she shares.
Reflecting on her family, Yari emphasizes their support. “My family, of course, supports me in everything they can,” she explains. They readily assist with practical matters like transporting her pieces, attending exhibitions, or helping her gather materials. “If they can help, they’re always here for me,” Yari affirms.
“My family is very large,” she explains. “On my dad’s side, he’s the only man among eight sisters, and each of them has had many children. In my generation, there are about ten women who have always been together, supporting each other in everything.” This close-knit bond is a source of strength for Yari, who emphasizes that they cheer each other on, whether from afar or in person, ensuring that everyone’s projects move forward.
During challenging times, such as the pandemic, her family’s support became even more crucial. “It was tough for artists; who was going to buy art?” Yari recalls. ” Despite this, she found creative ways to survive, selling portraits for family members. “They would send me photos, and I would create portraits for them,” she shares. “I also organized raffles for utilitarian items within the family.”
This resourcefulness, combined with her family’s unwavering support—buying her artwork and providing encouragement—helped her navigate the difficulties of the pandemic. “My mom is always here with me, and my dad has also started to support me,” she adds.
Looking back, Yari recalls a period in her life marked by melancholy and uncertainty. “I felt really down and sometimes even in a bad mood,” she reflects. Despite holding several jobs related to her studies, she never felt like she truly fit in. Teamwork was a struggle, and following orders proved challenging. “I kept thinking, ‘What’s wrong with me?'” she admits, explaining how she rarely lasted long in any position.
In a twist of fate, Yari flipped a coin to decide between moving to Querétaro or Guadalajara, and Guadalajara won. There, she rented an apartment with a roommate named Marina. “When she opened the door, I was feeling so sad and lost after losing my job,” Yari remembers. Yet, the moment she stepped inside, everything changed. “The first thing that hit me was the smell of paint.” Seeing Marina with brushes in hand, an apron tied around her waist, and a warm smile, Yari felt an immediate sense of belonging. “It was as if everything clicked into place for me.”
Yari fondly recalls the meeting. “It turns out that Marina is a renowned painter, celebrated for her beautiful creations. From the moment she opened the door and the scent of paint enveloped the room, I knew I had found my calling. I felt liberated,” she shared. “It was like something clicked into place, as if I had been thirsty my whole life and finally received the best glass of water.” This transformative experience ignited a passion that would guide her into her calling.
Contemplating her craft, she shared the journey. “I could say that I am self-taught.” She explained that her focus shifted upon returning to Oaxaca from Guadalajara. “My purpose was to find a place where I could learn how to draw, paint, and create prints—and I found it.”
She discovered a center called Guacara, located in the heart of the city, where a talented teacher named Armando inspired her creativity. “He has a wonderful way of teaching drawing and awakening your creative side,” she shares. Although Yari felt that her artistic instincts had been dormant, her experience at Guacara reignited her passion. “When I arrived there, I felt liberated; I wanted to try everything.”
Since then, Yari has continuously sought opportunities to learn and grow as an artist. “I took courses at a place called the Centro de Artes, established by Master Toledo,” she explains. This center offers a range of classes, from painting and drawing to poetry, dance, and ceramics. “And it’s free,” she adds. Yari immersed herself in these classes, exploring jewelry-making and printmaking, gradually deepening her knowledge until she finally established her own workshop.
“I decided on ceramics and set up my studio, continuing to learn along the way,” she explains. Yari feels fortunate to be surrounded by talented individuals, not just in ceramics but also in music, poetry, and painting. “Through them, I stay connected to the arts,” she notes. “And of course, there’s the internet, where you can find everything.”
Yari recounts meeting inspiring artists, like Humberto Bautista, a teacher renowned for his unique approach to sculpture and painting. “He assembles old saints and sculptures he finds, creating new pieces by combining different parts and adding elements like feathers and nails,” she explains. This innovative technique left a lasting impression on her artistic journey, becoming a key influence in her own sculpture work.
Yari believes that an artist’s style is rooted in their upbringing and education. “It’s about how you grew up, what you saw, and what you read,” she reflects. While she acknowledges the influence of close mentors, she strives to carve out her own identity in her work. “I try to avoid leaning too heavily on those influences,” she asserts, emphasizing her desire to develop a distinct artistic voice.
Yari’s approach to jewelry design is deeply influenced by her background in design, which she describes as having left a lasting mark on her artistic identity. “I enjoy creating clean, contemporary pieces,” she explains, though she has recently begun to incorporate sculpture into her jewelry. “In this case, I mixed palm and silver,” she shares, reflecting her ongoing experimentation with materials.
Living in Oaxaca, where mezcal is a staple, she has also ventured into crafting mezcaleros. “Everyone is making mezcaleros here, and they’re all amazing,” she notes. Yari adds her personal touch by incorporating playful elements inside the mezcaleros, such as skulls and devils. “I love carnivals and the Day of the Dead, so I want to represent the celebration through these little figures,” she explains.
In her paintings, Yari explores themes of communication and isolation, often reflecting her experiences in a large family where unspoken issues have lingered in the past. “My characters seem to be contained, wanting to engage with each other but unable to due to fear or reluctance,” she describes. This dynamic forms the basis of her artistic narrative.
When it comes to sculpture, Yari strives to evoke strong emotions through facial expressions. “I want the faces to reflect feelings that seem hidden, perhaps giving off a sense of sadness or an intense gaze that unnerves the viewer,” she says. Each sculpture becomes a personal dialogue for Yari, who often speaks to them during the creative process. “I ask them what they want and how they would like to exist,” she adds, noting the importance of this interaction.
Her creative journey involves keeping a notebook filled with ideas and sketches that eventually evolve into sculptures. “Sometimes, there’s a drastic change in direction, or I can continue with the initial concept,” she explains. While she previously focused on specific stories, such as those of her father or neighbors, she now explores broader themes.
“Right now, I’m working on the theme of the sea. I wonder what would happen if someone were to gaze at the ocean forever—would they turn to stone, become sand, or dance like driftwood?” Yari concludes, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of each piece she creates. “Every sculpture carries a very personal idea.”
Yari has a profound love for clay, recalling the moment she first touched it she described, “I was blown away; I knew I wanted to create with it,” she shares. Although she began her artistic journey with jewelry, it was the tactile power of molding clay that truly captivated her. “The ability to shape something with my hands is what I adore,” she explains. This passion for ceramics stems from its forgiving nature. “You can correct your mistakes. It’s never too late to adjust a piece until it reaches its final form,” she says, highlighting her belief that each creation can always evolve.
Yari appreciates that even after firing, a ceramic piece can be further embellished. “You can add more elements, like wood, to enhance it,” she notes, emphasizing the endless possibilities within her medium. She feels that with ceramics, the learning process is continuous. “It’s absolutely unpredictable at times, teaching you humility and acceptance of things as they are,” she reflects. Her journey as a self-taught artist has come with challenges, including pieces that have exploded in the kiln. “I probably should read more instead of just experimenting,” she admits, yet she embraces these lessons.
In her painting, Yari has developed a particular fondness for encaustic techniques. “I’ve tried acrylics and oils, but encaustic is my favorite because it provides that silky texture and depth I love,” she reveals. Her painting process often starts with stains, which she then transforms into recognizable forms. “I would love to paint abstractly—that’s my goal—but for now, I don’t feel ready to dive into that realm,” she confesses, acknowledging the ongoing evolution of her artistic practice.
Yari reflects on her early days in ceramics, recalling a time when the options were limited. “When I started in Oaxaca, there were only two workshops for high-temperature ceramics, and only one of them accepted students for classes,” she explains. This was a decade ago, a period when low-temperature workshops weren’t seen as legitimate art forms. “Back then, people didn’t really consider those workshops; nobody wanted to learn low-fire ceramics,” she notes. The perception was that high-temperature techniques were superior, leading many to seek out that specific training. “Now, things have changed,” she adds, highlighting the growing recognition and appreciation for different ceramic styles, including gas-fired techniques.
“At least now, both low-fire and high-fire ceramics are finally being recognized,” she notes, observing that they are accepted and valued almost equally by collectors. “There are many respected masters, and I’ve learned a lot by visiting their workshops,” she adds.
She explains that her own practice began to shift during the pandemic. “I couldn’t buy more high-fire clay, so I looked around my home and discovered this wonderful low-fire clay that I really enjoy using.” This new material allowed her to explore her creative vision in a fresh way.
“Now, I try to infuse my work with stories and traditions from my hometown,” she continues, drawing inspiration from tales her grandfather shared and the influence of books that discuss the connection between vessels and the human body. “It’s a blend of poetry and thought, and that’s what I’m focused on right now,” she concludes, reflecting her desire to weave deeper narratives into her art.
“Everything I lived through as a child, the stories my grandparents told me, the adventures with my cousins—all of it shapes my work,” she explains. She recalls the eerie tales her grandfather shared about witches and devils, along with the natural medicine that healed them. “Now, I’m reconnecting with those stories,” she says, noting her desire to explore ancient gods and their representations. “I want to learn more about my past to interpret my present through my pieces.”
“I feel a strong need to create,” she admits. Even when she steps away from her workshop, guilt lingers. “I think that’s a societal discomfort; you always feel like you have to be working to be valued,” she observes. Yet, her mind is always buzzing with ideas. “I keep a notebook where I jot down everything I see and make little sketches,” she shares.
“I have this urgency to communicate my ideas; they build up and I need to release them somehow. That’s how I connect,” she explains. While most of her sculptures are made for her own enjoyment, she does occasionally create pieces with potential buyers in mind. “Those are few, though,” she admits. “Honestly, I create because I love it and find joy in each piece.”
Yari acknowledges the significant influence of the Afro-Mexican communities along the coast of Oaxaca on her artistic work. “We often visited those areas as children, and the healers who came to help us were from there,” she explains. This region, particularly around Pinotepa, is rich in African roots,” she adds.
Yari’s best friend, an anthropologist, has dedicated over a decade to studying these communities. “Whenever I can, I join her for research trips,” Yari shares. “We immerse ourselves in the local culture, enjoy the food, and even participate in the carnival. I love being with the people there, and I often go to the brujos for a limpia,” she smiles, recalling the rituals they engage in. “I feel very connected to that influence in my work.”
While her pieces draw from various inspirations, Yari strives to capture the essence rather than recreate an exact likenesses. “I haven’t made a piece based on a specific person’s face,” she explains. “Instead, I focus on gestures. How does someone squint when they’re thinking? What does their face look like when they’re angry? Those are the details I pay the most attention to.” This approach allows her to convey deeper emotions and connections in her art. “I like to think that people can choose how they identify with each piece, whether as male or female,” she reflects.
“In fact, each piece conveys a personal story or that of a friend,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of expressing deep emotions in her creations. She focuses heavily on the faces in her sculptures, striving to evoke feelings of anguish, sadness, or joy. “I want to capture that moment where the subject seems lost, unsure if they are thinking, sad, or angry,” she elaborates.
“So many times, we have problems that make us feel we need to pretend we’re okay in front of others, even when we’re not.” This idea resonates deeply in her work, and she is proud of how successfully she has conveyed it. “I believe I’ve achieved this in about 80% of my pieces,” she shares. Feedback from those who have purchased or simply viewed her art reinforces this connection, making her feel fulfilled. “When people tell me that my pieces resonate with them in this way, it brings me immense happiness.”
“The artists we have here in Mexico, create incredibly beautiful pre-Columbian sculptures,” she notes, emphasizing how these ancient works have significantly impacted her own artistry. She finds inspiration in their expressive simplicity, observing that “each of the faces in those sculptures is so expressive. How I wish to achieve that! With so few lines and little detail, you can perfectly imagine what the sculpture is conveying.”
Among her contemporary influences, Yari highlights her admiration for Bárbara Campbell, a ceramic artist originally from Oregon who has made Oaxaca her home for many years. “Since I discovered her work, it resonated deeply with me and reaffirmed my decision to pursue ceramics,” Yari shares.
There are many artists that Yari admires. These include Adrian Arleo, Humberto Batista and Cristina Córdoba, among others. “The way these artists handle color and texture, as well as their presentation in museums. The way they hang their works, how they paint them, and the expressiveness they capture in the human figure is what I truly appreciate about them,” she concludes.
When it comes to the next generation of artists, Yari suggests: “First and foremost, constancy, constancy, constancy,” she insists. “Zero doubt. You have to trust yourself, trust your instincts, and listen to that little voice inside you that says, ‘Keep going, do this, experiment. Don’t be afraid.’”
She emphasizes the importance of community in the art world. “You need to build connections, support one another, and collaborate on exhibitions or create collectives. It can be really challenging at first—often, these groups don’t work out—but they help you grow and understand the art world around you,” she explains.
“Above all, be consistent,” she continues. “If your work starts to gain attention and galleries begin to seek you out, you can’t just have one sculpture. You should have at least ten pieces, even if they’re similar or not your favorites, because you never know what will resonate with others.” Her final thoughts underscore a commitment to perseverance: “That’s how you move forward in this journey.”
Beyond the tremendous joy and sense of purpose that art has provided Yari, there are lessons as well. “Above all, ceramics has taught me patience and the importance of accepting reality as it is in the present moment,” she shares. “You might spend an entire week working on a piece, only to have a small detail go wrong. Maybe you were upset and didn’t knead the clay properly, leading to a bubble that causes the piece to explode in the kiln or a tiny hand that breaks off. It’s something you have to accept because, ultimately, you don’t have the final say—the kiln and the fire do.”
This acceptance has fostered a deep respect for her work and her time. “I’ve learned to honor my craft,” she continues. “In the past, I would create a sculpture, decide I didn’t like it, and toss it away without a second thought. Now, I no longer do that. I have greater respect for my time, for my ceramics, and for the money I invest in them.”
“I’ve learned to save a little, and that has taught me to value not just my own work, but also the work of others, the kiln, and the resources involved.” Through these experiences, she has grown not only as an artist but as an individual who understands the significance of patience and respect in her creative journey.
Yari also emphasizes the importance of building a community, noting that it requires selectivity. “You have to know who your friends are,” she explains. “I believe that’s true in all areas of life. As you grow older you learn to choose your friends, your environments, and even your family. You seek spaces where you feel better and where you can become a better person.”
In her shop, Yari feels she has cultivated such a space. “In my workshop, I am definitely a better person,” she asserts. “And I believe the clay contributes to that. It fosters growth and connection, not just in my art, but in who I am.”
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Soledad Quartucci | Founder, CEO Latina Republic
Latina Republic envisions a world where the beauty and resilience of Latin American and Caribbean cultures are recognized and appreciated globally. By amplifying the voices of artists and cultural custodians, we strive to cultivate a deeper understanding of the region’s challenges and triumphs. Our goal is to inspire greater appreciation for the arts as a tool for empathy, unity, and transformative social change. Through our work, we aim to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional challenges, ultimately enriching the global cultural landscape and portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America.
