Angel Ortiz, who created this Mata Ortiz ceramic pot, is trying to bring back folk art techniques from the early 1900s. Mata Ortiz in the state of Chihuahua is renowned for its pottery. This piece was exhibited in Chapala's annual Feria Maestros del Arte. © Marianne Carlson, 2008

Chapala’s Feria Maestros del Arte: guardians of the folk art tradition

In today’s world, where massive factories churn out goods at breakneck speed, it is hard for many people to imagine that there are still devoted artisans tucked away in remote villages of Mexico who dedicate days, weeks and even months to creating one exquisitely crafted piece. These artisans, toiling away in their secluded studios, are […]

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Papelmalecho cow.Photography by Bill Arbon. © 2001

Discover the magic of papelmalecho in Tapalpa

Gallery: Discover the magic of papelmalecho in Tapalpa “Mexico has colorful folk art traditions,” says the diminutive woman in white, pointing to a series of papier mache creations. “Ours are always amiable or nice, like a pleasant dream.” Patricia Villalever flashes a smile and adds, “So when you write about us, more people can share […]

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Norma with Tehaunas -- women from the ithsmus of Tehuantepec -- in their traditional dress. © Norma Hawthorne 2008

Building a foundation to live in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca

Gallery Forget the crystal clear blue skies that stretch beyond infinity, or the magnificent Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range that embraces the Oaxaca Valley like a mother’s arms. Never mind the proud saguaro cactus, erect like obedient soldiers guarding a cantankerous landscape dotted with lush agave, grazing sheep, a lone herder riding the hindquarters […]

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