Pedro and his wife Isabel are of Purepecha Indian descendent and have continued the cultural tradition of his family to love and use clay.  He creates pineapples, candelabras, towers, animals and other vessels.  His work is among the finest in his village of San Jose de Gracia in the mountains of Michoacan.  His pieces are intricately decorated with hand formed clay details representing the nature that surrounds him.  He creates birds, seeds, agave leaves, corn and other natural elements that inspire his work.

Pedro struggled with cancer for four long years and he was unable to work during that period.  His family did all they could to pay for the numerous surgeries and kemo sessions.  His eldest son moved to Los Angeles to work to send money home.  They needed over 10,000 pesos every 2 weeks for the hospital.  A recognized artisan; the Cultural Center in Morelia stepped in and helped with the bills.  Pedro has been cancer free now for 8 years and his family is still struggling to pay the Cultural Center back.

Pedro’s work reflects his love and appreciation for life and family.  He feels so strongly about the preservation and promotion of the famous Piñas from San Jose that in spring of 2008 he founded “Tsitsiki” Museo Comunitario.  The museum is situated in the courtyard of his family home and was built by Pedro and his family.  Each spring, master craftsmen from the village are invited to participate in a concurso that is judged by 4 respected “Cultural Center” judges from Morelia.  12 pieces are awarded cash prizes and are on display in the museum for a year.