Apple Sculpture by Selma Calheira
Materials: Ceramic
Origin: Brazil
Cores da Terra, meaning "Colours of the Earth," produces handmade ceramics using natural pigments, making each piece unique. Originating from Brazil, these ceramics are not only visually stunning but also embody a deep social mission. The studio, founded by Brazilian ceramist Selma Calheira in Ibirataia, Bahia, in the 1950s, has become renowned for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
At the age of 38, Calheira established Cores da Terra to create sustainable art and empower her local community. By training residents of Bahia to become professional ceramists, she has significantly contributed to the economic and cultural development of one of Brazil's poorest regions. This initiative provides local families with stable jobs, allowing them to live and work within their own communities.
In recognition of her impactful work, Calheira received the Gente que Faz award in 1996. Her designs, characterized by a playful yet sophisticated aesthetic, are crafted from organic materials such as clay and natural pigments, reflecting her core values of sustainability and social responsibility.