For over 800 years, the Chorotega Indians have been producing organic coil built pottery throughout Central America. This artistic tradition has been passed down, generation to generation, and is one of the remaining indigenous crafts still being practiced in Costa Rica. In the small pottery village of Guaitil, located on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, Arbin Espinosa Guevara was handed down this tradition from his mother. Growing up in the village and being surrounded by this art form, he learned all facets of production and has been practicing this ancient craft ever since.


Arbin
After making pottery as a hobby for over 15 years, seven years ago in Tamarindo Beach, Arbin opened his own studio workshop and ocean view gallery, Guaitil Pottery Studio. There, he displays and sells his pottery and teaches pottery lessons to those that want to experience the tradition hands-on. The studio allows visitors to the Tamarindo area the opportunity to see authentic pre-Colombian pottery being made. Arbin teaches those interested about the ancient organic art traditions of the Chorotegas that once inhabited the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica.


Arbin’s art is a blend of traditional designs commonly referred to as “Guaitil pottery”, intermingled with his own original designs and patterns. This blend of old and new results in stunning multi-layered painted pieces, intricate etching and imaginative, flowing shapes.

He is in studio almost every day. Currently, he is producing a new collection of functional, every day pottery, consisting of ornate table lamps, wall sconces, table top sinks and cookware.

For more information about the pottery classes, you can either stop by the gallery, which is located in the Tamarindo Circle next to La Caracola Restaurant or call or email Arbin at (506) 2653-2005, TamarindoPottery@gmail.com
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