José Sierra was born in Mérida, Venezuela in 1975.  While José is a self-taught artist, he was introduced to ceramics at the University of the Andes in Mérida, Venezuela from 1993-1996, where he learned the basic skills of mixing clay, glazes, as well as wheel throwing.   In 1996, José began working professionally as an artist in Mérida, Venezuela, doing sculpture.  In 2000, José moved to Iowa where he dedicated himself to both sculpture and pottery.  José currently resides in New Mexico where he is a studio potter.