Juan José Ramos Medrano's works are displayed and collected throughout the world. He works in his humble home in Santa Cruz de las Huertas, Mexico, creating the most incredible art pieces. He transforms the pliable clay into colorful creatures that are then coated with betus. Barro Betus (ceramics rubbed with birch oil extract).

Juan José is not a prolific artist and often when you visit his home, he has very little to sell.
The origin of barro betus dates back to colonial times and is surrounded by myths. The most popular pieces of art are the colorful Nahual figures with the reputation of coming from a magical world. Nagual or Nahual (both pronounced [na'wal]) is a human being who has the power to magically turn him- or herself into an animal form, most commonly donkey, turkey and dogs, but also other and more powerful animals.
The Nagual can then use his powers for good or for evil causes according to his personality. It was your animal protective spirit or the boogie man. The common Mesoamerican belief of tonalism, that all humans have an animal counterpart to which their lifeforce is linked, also often intertwines with nagualism beliefs. In English the word is often translated as "transforming witch" but a translation without the negative connotations of the word "witch" would be "transforming trickster".