Alfonso Castillo Orta (1944-2009) was a Mexican potter from Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla, Mexico. It was works like his tree of life sculptures that made the area internationally known. Castillo was a fourth generation potter and learned from his mother and grandfather. He would make utilitarian pieces, candle holders and incense burners with his siblings. He would start to experiment with decorative pieces while also refining his techniques to create his own style. Castillo became known for his trees of life, other religious stories and festivals like Day of the Dead. His works were exhibited in venues in Mexico, like the Amparo Museum, and also in the United States, Germany, Austria and Spain. His pieces can also be found in the collections of the Museum of London, the Kunsthaus in Munich and the royal family of Spain, as well as collections in Germany, Japan, Venezuela and Italy. Castillo and his wife, Marta Hernandez, had five children and taught them the craft. The family continues his legacy in their home at Callejon del Partidor in the San Martín Huaquechula neighborhood of Izúcar de Matamoros, keeping the style he created. Their home serves as a workshop, as well as a gallery and museum, which is open to visitors.