Guillermo is a native of Venezuela, although he attended Cornell College in Iowa from 1974-1976. He studied art and became particularly enraptured with Warren MacKenzie and his philosophy around utilitarian pottery. They became friends and Guillermo has spent a portion of each of the past 15 years working with Warren in his Stillwater, MN studio. In 1986 Guillermo established his own studio in Turgua, Miranda, Venezuela. A non -profit he started hosted many local artisan events as well as brought in other foriegn potters' to do workshops. In the past few years the political situation in Venezuela forced Guillermo and his family out of their property. They have since re-settled in a small Minnesota town (Shafer) north east of Minneapolis. Guillermo just finished building his studio there. He currently spends most of his time making pots and leading trips as a guide for Wilderness travel to some of South American's most popular destinations. His pots are solidly made and a comfort to use. He works on a Leach treadle wheel which requires a softer clay to respond to the slowness of the revolutions. And like MacKenzie, his price structure encourages you to have his work in your kitchen.